Six decades old & irreplaceable: Why Cheetah, Cheetal & Chetak continue to fly

A recent crash in Ladakh has highlighted the continued use of India's venerable Cheetah, Cheetal, and Chetak helicopters, which are now over six decades old. Despite their age, these helicopters remain crucial for transporting goods and people in the region's rugged terrain where newer models can't operate. Their enduring reliability underscores the importance of maintaining unique, specialized equipment in remote and challenging environments, even as modern alternatives emerge. This situation highlights the delicate balance between technological advancement and the practical needs of certain remote areas.