Ageing Wings

The crash of an Indian Air Force Antonov AN-32 during landing at Jorhat in Assam, which claimed the lives of five air force personnel, is a sombre reminder of the risks routinely borne by India’s servicemen and women. It also raises difficult questions about ageing military platforms that remain in service long after their intended prime.

The Antonov AN-32 has been one of the unsung workhorses of the Indian Air Force. Since its induction in the 1980s, the Soviet-designed twin-engine turboprop has carried troops and equipment across some of the most inhospitable terrain on earth. From the icy heights of Ladakh to the dense forests of the Northeast, the aircraft has performed missions indispensable to India’s defence preparedness. During the Kargil conflict and subsequent military mobilisations, it proved its worth countless times.

And yet, the Jorhat accident is the third major AN-32 crash in the past decade. In 2016, an aircraft disappeared over the Bay of Bengal, taking with it 29 personnel. In 2019, another AN-32 crashed in Arunachal Pradesh, killing 13. Together with Saturday's tragedy, these accidents have exacted a heavy human toll. Even if the aircraft enjoys a reputation as one of the more reliable platforms in the Air Force’s inventory, repeated crashes inevitably raise questions about fleet age, maintenance practices and technological obsolescence.

Military aviation is inherently hazardous. It would be simplistic and unfair to attribute every accident solely to the age of an aircraft. But there is a broader issue that cannot be ignored. India’s armed forces continue to rely on several platforms designed during the Cold War. The AN-32 fleet was acquired in 1984. Though upgrades have been undertaken, including avionics modernisation and engine overhauls, the aircraft remains fundamentally a product of another era. Modernisation programmes have themselves been hindered by geopolitical disruptions, notably the deterioration of relations between Russia and Ukraine after the annexation of Crimea. The result has been a patchwork approach to sustaining an ageing fleet.

This challenge extends beyond a single aircraft type. Across the world, military forces face the dilemma of balancing operational readiness against the enormous costs of replacing legacy platforms. India, with its vast security commitments and finite defence budget, is no exception. Yet every crash underscores the hidden costs of postponing difficult procurement decisions.

Defence capability is not measured solely by fighter jets and warships showcased during national celebrations. It rests equally on logistics, maintenance infrastructure and safety culture. A military can project power only if it can reliably move people and equipment where they are needed.

For now, the immediate priority is a thorough and transparent investigation. If systemic shortcomings are identified, they must be addressed without bureaucratic delay. The AN-32 has served India faithfully for four decades. But faithful service is not a reason to avoid hard questions. It is a reason to ask them.