On April 21, 2025 – An Indian Air Force (IAF) Chetak helicopter, engaged in a routine training mission, executed a precautionary landing near Jamnagar, the IAF confirmed in an official statement. The incident, which occurred in the morning hours, raised no immediate alarms, as the helicopter was thoroughly inspected, deemed serviceable, and subsequently flown back to its base without further complications.
The IAF, in a post on X, stated, “An IAF Chetak helicopter, on a routine training mission, carried out a precautionary landing near Jamnagar today. After conducting necessary checks and ascertaining it to be serviceable, the helicopter was flown back to base.” No injuries or damages were reported during the incident, and the IAF did not disclose the specific reason for the precautionary landing, which is often a standard procedure to ensure safety in the event of minor technical concerns or adverse conditions.
The Chetak helicopter, a license-built version of the French Aérospatiale Alouette III, has been a mainstay of the IAF and Indian Army since the 1960s. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the single-engine helicopter has been widely used for light utility roles, training exercises, medical evacuations, and disaster relief missions across India. Despite its storied history, the aging fleet has faced scrutiny in recent years due to safety concerns stemming from its single-engine design and limited payload capacity compared to modern helicopters. Indian military is actively seeking replacements for
The IAF’s statement on the Jamnagar landing, however, was overshadowed by a wave of public criticism on social media, as the post became a lightning rod for an unrelated controversy. Replies to the IAF’s X post quickly pivoted to a road rage incident in Bengaluru involving Wing Commander Shiladitya Bose, an IAF officer on deputation to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). CCTV footage from Tin Factory Junction, circulated widely on X by users like
