The Indian Ministry of Defense announced on Friday the discovery of wreckage believed to be from an Indian Air Force transport plane that disappeared in 2016. The Russian-built Antonov An-32 vanished over the Bay of Bengal while en route to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, carrying 29 people. The aircraft last made contact with air traffic control 15 minutes after taking off from a base near Chennai, India.
After years of unsuccessful search and rescue efforts, a deep-sea drone surveying the ocean floor discovered debris at a depth of 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) about 140 nautical miles (310 kilometers) south of Chennai. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that the images show wreckage consistent with an An-32 aircraft, suggesting it may be from the missing plane. No other aircraft have been reported missing in the area.
The An-32, renowned for its capability to fly for up to four hours without refueling, is a crucial part of the Indian Air Force’s transportation fleet. However, the IAF has faced safety concerns with its Russian-made equipment, including a tragic crash in 2021 that claimed the life of General Bipin Rawat and 12 others. This incident adds to a series of accidents involving IAF aircraft, raising concerns about the maintenance and safety of the fleet.
The discovery of the wreckage brings closure to the families of the 29 individuals who were on board the ill-fated aircraft. The Indian Air Force’s reliance on outdated and aging aircraft has been a point of concern, with experts warning that the delayed revamp of the military fleet poses a threat to national security. As the investigation into the crash continues, it is imperative for the Indian government to address the safety and maintenance issues surrounding its air force fleet to prevent future tragedies.