Search ops for missing AN-32 enters Day 5: Global 5000 surveillance aircraft, NTRO spy satellites pressed into action

The search operations for the AN-32 transport aircraft that went missing on Monday have entered the fifth day. With authorities making all-out efforts, the Indian Air Force is using Aviation Research Centre’s

The search operations for the AN-32 transport aircraft that went missing on Monday have entered the fifth day.

With authorities making all-out efforts, the Indian Air Force is using Aviation Research Centre’s Global 5000 surveillance aircraft and NTRO spy satellites to locate the AN-32, the updated sensors will help in getting better picture of whatever is on the ground.

As per latest reports, the Indian Air Force has intensified its operations and have deployed two cheetah helicopters today to locate the aircraft which has eluded all rescue efforts so far. Additionally, the P8i, a specialized aircraft of the Indian Navy will also be flown.

Meanwhile, family and relatives of missing Indian Air Force officials travelling in the AN-32 aircraft, met the Defence Minister at his residence on Thursday, sources said. The minister apprised them of all the rescue operations in place to trace the aircraft.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has instructed the authorities to use all possible resources to locate the plane and its occupants.

Despite all out efforts on one side, inclement weather continues to deter search operations. The operations carried out by the Indian Air Force helicopters were called off yesterday evening due to low light.

Besides the MI17, Sukhoi-30, Advanced Light Helicopters and Hercules C-130J, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has always been used for the first time to trace the missing aircraft.

Reports had also come in on Wednesday that the wreckage of the missing AN-32 aircraft was spotted, however, their has been no confirmation of this till now.

According to official sources in West Siang district, the missing aircraft had been supposedly located somewhere in the Molo-Molom area under Siang district.

Reportedly, after the sighting of the missing aircraft, the ground search operation team had left for the area which supposedly falls in the no man’s land area between the borders of India and China. However, there has been no further information on the sighting.

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