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Indian Satellites, Spy Planes to Search Missing Military Jet Near Chinese Border

Extensive efforts are on to locate an Indian Air Force An-32, with eight crew members and five passengers on board. The aircraft took off from Jorhat Airfield and was headed to Mechuka Advanced Landing Ground, 40 km from the Line of Actual Control - the de facto border between India and China.
Sputnik

New Delhi (Sputnik): A day after an Indian Air Force's An-32 aircraft went off radar screens near the Chinese border, the remote sensing satellites of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Naval P-8I spy planes have been pressed into service. 

"Indian Navy P-8 I aircraft joined the search operations today (4 June). CARTOSAT and RISAT satellites of ISRO are also taking images of the area", the Indian Air Force (IAF) stated on Tuesday evening.

READ MORE:Indian Military Transport Plane Goes Missing Near Chinese Border

Earlier on Monday, the IAF launched C-130, An-32 transport aircraft, Mi-17 helicopters, and Indian Army helicopters. The aircraft are equipped with advanced sensors.

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The IAF claimed that a search operation is underway by all sensors with night capability and that a ground party will continue throughout the night. All possible assistance is also being provided by Indian Army, Indian Navy, Police and State administration.

"The families of all air-warriors on board the aircraft have been informed and are being regularly updated on the progress of search for the missing aircraft", the IAF stated, adding that eight members of the crew and five passengers were on board the aircraft.

READ MORE: Debris of Missing IAF Helicopter Found, Three Crew Members Dead

The Soviet-era aircraft were inducted into the Air Force in the 1980s and have been undergoing upgrades. However, the missing jet had not been upgraded under the programme.   

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