Indian Army’s Cheetah helicopter crashes in Ladakh: Major General among three injured, inquiry ordered

A routine Army aviation mission in the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh ended in a dramatic crash after an Indian Army Cheetah helicopter went down in the rugged Tangste sector, leaving a Major General and two pilots injured but alive due to a miraculous escape. The incident has once again thrown the spotlight on the ageing Cheetah fleet that continues to operate in some of the world’s toughest flying conditions.

Officials said the crash took place on Wednesday, though details of the incident emerged publicly on Friday. The helicopter was being operated by a Lieutenant Colonel and a Major, while Major General Sachin Mehta, commanding the 3 Infantry Division, was travelling onboard as a passenger during the flight over the strategically sensitive Ladakh region.

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All three officers survived the crash and sustained minor injuries. They were provided medical treatment soon after the accident.

Following the incident, the Indian Army ordered a formal Court of Inquiry to determine the exact cause behind the crash. Officials said investigators will examine all possible technical, operational, mechanical and environmental factors linked to the accident.

Ageing Cheetah fleet back under scrutiny

The crash has once again renewed concerns over the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used extensively by the Indian Armed Forces in forward and high-altitude regions, including Siachen and Ladakh.

The single-engine HAL Cheetah helicopter, based on the French Alouette III platform, has long served as a critical asset for reconnaissance, casualty evacuation and logistical support missions in remote mountainous sectors.

However, over the years, the fleet has witnessed multiple accidents. More than 15 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters have reportedly been involved in crashes over the past decade, resulting in the loss of several pilots and personnel.

However, officials stressed that the existing Cheetah fleet remains technically airworthy and continues to operate within approved service limits.

Army pushing fleet modernisation plan

The Indian Army is already moving ahead with plans to gradually phase out the ageing helicopters and replace them with new-generation Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs).

Army officials said the transition is expected to take place over the next several years. The Army is estimated to require nearly 250 Light Utility Helicopters to meet operational requirements across difficult terrains and border sectors.

As part of the modernisation plan, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has already received orders for limited-series-production LUHs capable of operating in high-altitude conditions.