Itanagar, Jan 30: The Indian Air Force carried out two separate emergency operations this week, deploying helicopters to control forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh and extending air traffic support following a charter aircraft incident in Maharashtra.

In Arunachal Pradesh, Indian Air Force Mi-17V5 helicopters were deployed to combat forest fires in the Lohit Valley. Operating at an altitude of nearly 9,500 feet, the helicopters dropped around 12,000 litres of water in a high-altitude environment marked by thin air. The operation was conducted to contain the spread of fire in the forested region. The Indian Air Force shared details of the mission through an official post on X, highlighting the challenging conditions under which the operation was executed.

Separately, in Maharashtra, the Indian Air Force responded to an urgent request from state authorities following a charter aircraft crash landing at Baramati Airport. A team of Air Traffic Control personnel, along with technical equipment, was deployed from Air Force Station Lohegaon. The team established essential Air Traffic Control, communication, and meteorological services at the airport to support safe air operations in coordination with the local administration.

According to the Indian Air Force, the rapid deployment aimed to ensure continuity of aviation services and assist civil authorities in managing the situation at the site.

The two operations underline the Indian Air Force’s role in providing disaster response and emergency support across different regions and operational environments.