Military helicraft disappears in Almaty area; over 400 individuals and 70 equipment units are currently in search, according to Defense Ministry.
A large-scale search and rescue operation is currently underway near the Sorbulak Reservoir in Almaty Region, Kazakhstan, following the disappearance of a military EC-145 (H145) helicopter during a routine flight on July 25, 2025 [1][2].
The wreckage of the helicopter was discovered in the reservoir's waters on July 26, initiating an intensive search for the crew [1][2]. The operation involves approximately 400 people, over 70 units of ground equipment, 21 watercraft, 10 drones, sonar, underwater scanning equipment, and canine units [1][2].
The reservoir, known for its complex underwater terrain and silty bottom, poses significant challenges to the search teams [1][2]. Its location in a natural closed depression in the northwest of Almaty Region further complicates the operation [1].
The search and rescue operations are being conducted around the clock [1]. The Commander of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Major General of Aviation Askar Izbasov, is leading the operation on-site [1].
Preliminary data suggests that there were three crew members on board the missing helicopter [1]. Regular updates on the operation's progress are being provided to the families of those involved [1]. However, relatives of the missing pilots have expressed concerns over the lack of clear updates on the search progress and have appealed for greater attention to the tragedy [1].
The search teams are using specialized equipment, including echo sounders, drones, underwater vehicles, diving gear, and motorboats designed for hard-to-reach areas, to inspect the water surface, shoreline, and the seabed of the reservoir [1][2]. The reservoir's variable depth, up to 22 meters, and slow water exchange require high precision, technical equipment, and coordination among all participants in the search and rescue operation [1].
Sorbulak is the largest wastewater storage reservoir in the CIS and one of the largest in the world [1]. Despite the challenging conditions, the search operations continue in an attempt to locate the missing helicopter and its crew.
[1] - https://www.emercom.kz/news/18576/ [2] - https://www.tengrinews.kz/culture/1932534/ [3] - https://www.khabar24.kz/news/2025-07-26/106071-v-almatinskom-regione-v-rezervuare-sorbulak-nachali-poiski-po-razapadshimsya-helicopteru-ec-145/
- The industry, finance, and transportation sectors in Kazakhstan are closely monitoring the ongoing aviation-related search and rescue operation near the Sorbulak Reservoir, as the EC-145 helicopter that vanished during a routine flight was a significant asset for the nation's military [1][2].
- Amidst concerns from the families of the missing crew members, the Commander of the Air Forces, Askar Izbasov, assures that every resource available has been utilized from various sectors, including finance, to ensure the most advanced and comprehensive search and rescue operation possible [1], a testament to the collaborative nature of the nation's industries during such crises.
