Kazakhstan continues search for missing military helicopter crew in Almaty region

Efforts to locate the crew of a Kazakh military helicopter that disappeared in Almaty Region on July 25 remain underway, officials confirmed.

Speaking at a government briefing, Deputy Minister for Emergency Situations Kegen Tursynbayev said that search operations for the missing EC-145 helicopter are continuing under the coordination of the Ministry of Defence, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media. 

"It has now been ten days since the incident. Around 50% of the lake has been surveyed. The Ministry of Emergency Situations has provided the necessary specialised equipment, and aerial searches have been conducted," Tursynbayev said.

"Images from Kazcosmos revealed traces resembling a fuel or lubricant spill. Several fragments believed to belong to the helicopter were discovered near the Sorbulak Reservoir," he added.

Search and rescue teams are expected to examine the remaining half of the reservoir area. According to the deputy minister, the lake's depth ranges from 5 to 25 metres, with poor visibility underwater due to silt and marshy conditions.

"Even at a depth of one metre, visibility is zero — everything is covered in sludge," he noted.

Preliminary reports indicate that three crew members were aboard the aircraft when it went missing.

The EC-145 military helicopter belonging to Kazakhstan’s armed forces disappeared on 25 July 2025 during a routine flight over Almaty Region. The aircraft reportedly lost contact near the Sorbulak Reservoir, a large artificial lake known for its difficult underwater conditions, including silt-covered bottoms and poor visibility.

According to Kazakh authorities, three crew members were on board at the time. Search and rescue operations led by the Ministry of Defence have faced significant challenges due to the lake’s depth, ranging from 5 to 25 metres, and marshy terrain.

Satellite imagery from Kazcosmos revealed potential traces of a fuel spill, and debris believed to be parts of the helicopter was later recovered near the reservoir.

Despite the discovery, no confirmed sign of the crew has yet been found. The operation remains ongoing, with specialised equipment and aerial surveys being deployed.

By Aghakazim Guliyev