Continuous efforts are made to keep the helicopters safe for flying and only airworthy aircraft are flown.

During the last three years (2012-13, 2013-14  &  2014-15), 06 accidents have taken place involving Cheetah and Chetak helicopters of Armed Forces in which 09 defence personnel have died.  Accident rate with respect to Cheetah and Chetak helicopters of Indian Air Force and Indian Army for the last 05 years is given in Annexure.

Wives of Army Officers have represented to the Government for replacement of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters to avoid casualties.

Phasing out of aircraft including helicopters and their replacement depends upon the national security / strategic objectives and operational requirements of the defence forces and is reviewed by the Government from time to time.  This is a continuous process.

Accident rate* during the last five years involving Cheetah / Chetak helicopters is given below:

CHEETAH /CHETAK FLEET

                        *Accident Rate = Number of Accidents x 10,000.

                                                            Flying hours

This information was given by Defence MinisterShri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Vijay Jawaharlal Dardain Rajya Sabha today.

HH/RAJ