38 IAF planes, copters crash in last 3 yrs, 28 personnel dead

As many as 38 Indian Air Force planes and helicopters have crashed in different incidents during the last three years killing 28 personnel, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.

As many as 38 Indian Air Force planes and helicopters have crashed in different incidents during the last three years killing 28 personnel, the Lok Sabha was informed on Monday.

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"A total of 38 accidents involving IAF planes and helicopters have occurred during 2007-08 to 2009-10 and the current year so far. 28 defence personnel lost their lives in these accidents," Defence Minister A K Antony said in a written reply.

In six of these accidents, civilian property was damaged, he said adding all the mishaps were being probed and remedial measures taken.

To another query, he said 21 Russian-origin MiG aircraft crashed during the same period leaving four pilots dead.

Antony said new aircraft such as the Su-30 MKI, AWACS, indigenous LCA and 126 multi role aircraft were being procured and existing fleet of MiG 29, Antonov-32 and Ilyushin-76 were being upgraded to maintain the strength of the force.