IAF red-flags presence of birds near Ambala airbase

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ambala, July 7

Concerned about the safety and security of its aircrafts from birds, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has raised the issue with the administration.

Recently, an IAF’s Jaguar fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing following a bird hit. As one of the two engines got stalled, the pilot landed back safely after jettisoning two additional fuel drop tanks and Carrier Bomb Light Stores pods at the Ambala airbase.

The Air Force had also released a video of the bird hitting the plane and the pilot’s quick thinking that saved the jet and lives of civilians.

Sources said, the Air Force has raised the matter verbally during a recent meeting with the district officials and no letter has been given to the administration yet.

The Air Force officials reportedly informed that some locals had been breeding birds in their houses, near the airbase which were posing a threat to fighter jets.

The Air Force has shown concern as Rafale fighter jets would be deployed at the Ambala airbase.

In April, a Jaguar aircraft flying over Rolan village developed a snag due to a bird hit. The pilot had to detach two fuel drop tanks of the plane to reduce its weight and go in for an emergency landing at the Ambala airbase.

Ambala DC Sharandeep Kaur said, “The Air Force officials have expressed their concern regarding houses and birds near the Air Force Station. Though we are yet to receive any official letter in this context, the matter is being looked into.”