Indian Army’s Cheetal helicopters keep flying in Ladakh amid failure probe

Indian Army Cheetal helicopters are maintaining regular mountain sorties in the Ladakh sector, including the Siachen glacier, even as investigators probe a suspected technical failure that led to a recent crash. Officials familiar with the development confirmed the continued operations.

The investigation is focusing on a potential material failure within the transmission system of the single-engine Cheetal helicopter that crashed near Leh's Tangtse area on May 20. "The probe will identify which component in the transmission system failed after which corrective steps will be taken," stated one official. The Leh-based HQs 14 Corps operates approximately 25 Cheetal helicopters, which are a re-engined version of the Cheetah helicopter.

Despite the ongoing investigation, the Cheetals are crucial for front-line duties in the high-altitude Ladakh mountains, a role the heavier Dhruv advanced light helicopter cannot fulfill. "The Cheetals, which have an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, have been flying daily since the May 20 crash," said another official. Miraculously, the two pilots and a Major General survived the May 20 crash with minor injuries.

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The probe will identify which component in the transmission system failed after which corrective steps will be taken.

The May 20 incident has once again highlighted the urgent need to replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopter fleets, which were designed six decades ago. A series of crashes has intensified scrutiny of these helicopters' safety records. The army intends to begin phasing out these fleets in the next one to two years.

Over the following eight to 10 years, the Army Aviation Corps plans to introduce new light utility helicopters (LUHs) to modernize its capabilities. This replacement strategy involves inducting locally produced LUHs and leasing similar choppers as a temporary measure to meet critical requirements. The army requires approximately 250 new helicopters.

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The Cheetals, which have an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, have been flying daily since the May 20 crash.