Search continues: Defense ministry responds to families of missing military helicopter crew
What happened
On July 25, a military H145 helicopter (formerly Eurocopter EC145) disappeared from radar during a routine flight in the Almaty region. The search lasted more than 19 hours, and on July 26, wreckage was found in the waters of Lake Sorbulak.
Emergency crews were deployed to the site, using specialized equipment including echo sounders, drones, and underwater vehicles. Around 200 personnel, 40 vehicles, 15 boats, four K9 units, and two aircraft from the Emergency Ministry were involved in the search effort.
Later, relatives of the missing pilots released a video statement saying they had not received clear updates on the search and called on authorities and the public to pay closer attention to the tragedy.
Defense Ministry statement
In an official update, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that the search and rescue operation is continuing in an intensified, round-the-clock mode.
“A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway at Sorbulak Reservoir to locate all crew members of the H145 helicopter belonging to the Air Defense Forces, which went missing on July 25, 2025. Around 400 personnel have been mobilized, along with more than 70 vehicles, 21 boats, 10 drones, echo sounders, underwater scanners, and K9 teams,” the statement said.
The operation is being coordinated on-site by Major General Askar Izbassov, commander of Kazakhstan’s Air Force.
Deployment breakdown by agency:
Ministry of Defense: 193 military personnel, 4 drones, 25 vehicles, 8 boats. Aerial reconnaissance is also being carried out.
Ministry of Emergency Situations: 87 personnel, 22 vehicles, 10 boats, 7 drones, 2 echo sounders, divers, and 2 K9 units.
Ministry of Internal Affairs: 102 personnel, 30 vehicles.
Akimat (local government administration): 2 vehicles, 3 boats.
“A comprehensive search of both the reservoir and shoreline is underway, including hard-to-reach and deepwater areas. Operations are continuing non-stop, day and night. Regular updates are being provided to the families of the missing,” the ministry said.
It also emphasized the difficult conditions at the site.
“Sorbulak is a large wastewater reservoir in a closed natural basin in northwestern Almaty region. Search operations are complicated by several factors: uneven and muddy lakebed, fluctuating depths of up to 22 meters, stagnant water, zero visibility, and dense silt and algae. These environmental and technical challenges require precise coordination and advanced equipment,” the ministry noted.
Search and rescue efforts will continue until conclusive results are achieved. Further updates will be provided.