Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, July 25: The Defence Force are letting no stones unturned to find out the missing aircraft of Indian Air Force, AN 32, which is missing since 22nd July, said the CINCAN.
Addressing a press conference held at the Andaman Nicobar Command at 03:15pm today, the Commander in Chief Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, said that IAF AN 32 aircrafts are providing services in the islands from decades and thrice in a week.
He said that currently a total of 13 IN ships (11 of Chennai with 5 integral helicopters and 2 west of Andaman & Nicobar Islands) and 4 ICG ships (2 of Chennai and 2 west of Andaman Nicobar Islands) are engaged in the surface SAR Operations.
The surface search is concentrated in a 120*120 NM area covering the last known position of the missing IAF AN 32 Aircraft.
He added that the surface area search by ships is being augmented by IN, IAF and ICG shore based aircraft (09 IN, 04 ICG and 04 IAF).
These aircraft are carrying out search over a 360*300 NM area east of Chennai and west of Andaman Nicobar Islands. Till now a total of 246 hours of Air searches has been conducted and are continuing.
He further added that inputs from sources like satellites, imagery, aircraft air searches using electro optical devices, RADARS and electronic equipment to detect Aircraft SAR frequency transmissions are being utilized to undertake a thorough sanitization of the area.
“Our aircrafts and ships along with their integral helicopters have investigated every possible lead and continued to do so. Every Sensor and effort is being effectively utilized to search for missing IAF AN 32 Aircraft,” the Vice Admiral said.
Vice Admiral Bimal Verma further stated that a submarine has also being deployed in the area to augment search efforts. The gradual improvement in weather, in the search areas would assist Defence Forces in intensifying the search operation.
“In addition to undertaking coordinated SAR operations, we are also maintaining constant liaison with the families of the missing Naval sailors and 8 defence civilians, we are providing them regular updates on the ongoing SAR operations and will provide all assistance that may required,” CINCAN added.
When question was raised by the media about the technical snags in the flight, CINCAN said that any asset which is not airworthy are not operated in any condition.
