Army's tactical drone inadvertently crosses LoC, lands in Pakistan: Sources
- In Reports
- 10:31 PM, Aug 23, 2024
- Myind Staff
In an unexpected development, a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) belonging to the Indian Army experienced a 'technical malfunction' on 23rd August and inadvertently entered Pakistani airspace.
The incident occurred at 9:30 am. The Indian Army stated that the UAV was on a training mission when it crossed into Pakistan's Nikial Sector and was later recovered by Pakistani forces.
“At 9.25 am, a Mini UAV on a training mission well within the Indian Territory lost control due to a technical malfunction and drifted into the Nikial Sector of Pakistan opposite our Bhimber Gali Sector,” the Indian Army said.
In response to the situation, the Indian Army is expected to initiate discussions with the Pakistan Army at the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) level. “A hotline message has been sent to the Pakistan Army to return the said UAV,” said the Indian Army.
The incident occurred just two days after an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft encountered a technical malfunction, leading to the unintentional release of an "air store" near the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district, according to officials.
Officials reported that the released object was a practice bomb meant for exercises involving the targeting of specific sites. When released, the practice bomb landed in an open area, causing an explosion and forming a crater at the impact site close to the Pakistan border.
No casualties or property damage were reported. An investigation has been initiated to determine the cause of the technical issue that resulted in the accidental release of the air store.
The IAF announced on social media platform X, stating, "An inadvertent release of an air store from an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft took place near Pokhran firing range area, due to technical malfunction, today. An enquiry by the IAF has been ordered to investigate into the incident. No damage to life or property has been reported."
In fighter jets, an air store refers to any external equipment or payload attached to the aircraft for different missions.
Image source: X
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