The airframe of the Apache chopper being positioned on the back of a truck. (Photo via X)
New Delhi: An Indian Air Force Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopter, which executed a precautionary landing in Ladakh in early April, has been successfully recovered from the remote, high-altitude region. The helicopter was compelled to make an emergency landing while navigating the rugged terrain, on April 3, near Khardung-la – one of the world’s highest motorable passes at 5,602 metres (18,380 feet) above sea level.
The IAF said the helicopter was conducting a routine operational training sortie when the incident transpired. It may be noted that earlier in May 2023, another IAF Apache chopper made an emergency landing in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, as India Sentinels had reported.
The Apache, renowned for its advanced combat capabilities, encountered difficulties during the emergency landing due to Ladakh’s uneven and rugged terrain, as well as the high altitude. Both pilots aboard were safely evacuated immediately following the landing, with no injuries reported. However, the helicopter sustained damage during the incident.
Indian Airforce AH-64E Apache has been retrieved from the Khardung La region by a team of specialist mountaineers and engineers. The copter had carried out a precautionary landing during an operational sortie in April this year.https://t.co/7ybSebQUYI pic.twitter.com/ppFQZ2zhJY
— Singh (@Duorope) September 23, 2024
The subsequent retrieval operation spanned several months. Owing to the challenging geography of the region, a specialized crane was employed to lower the helicopter’s airframe and engine onto the truck. The IAF said the chopper required dismantling into approximately 400 parts. These components were then manually transported by a team of engineers and mountaineers to the nearest road, from where they were taken to Leh.
The helicopter parts are expected to be transported from Leh to either Pathankot or an IAF base repair depot for further restoration.
The Apache helicopter is a crucial component of the IAF’s rotary-wing fleet, playing a vital role in reconnaissance and combat missions, particularly in high-altitude and sensitive regions, like Ladakh. This specific helicopter was part of the 22 Apaches India procured from the United States as part of a 2015 deal to bolster the country’s combat chopper fleet.
