'36 defence personnel killed in 39 plane crashes since 2012'

India has lost 36 defence personnel in 39 crashes of military aircraft since 2012, the government said today.

In a written reply in Lok Sabha, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said, IAF had a staggering 28 crashes since 2012-13 that claimed lives of 23 personnel.

While there were 5 IAF aircraft crashes in 2012-13, the number increased to 7 in 2013-14 and further climbed to 10 in 2014-15. In 2015-16, up to February 22, IAF has seen six crashes.

The army, which operates only helicopters, has seen 7 crashes since 2012-13 claiming lives of six personnel.

The navy lost seven personnel in four crashes since 2012-13.