Overview
- The Indian Air Force deployed a Mi‑17 V5 to the Mebo and Sigar areas of Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh to fight a major forest fire.
- Over multiple sorties, the helicopter released about 66,000 litres of water to contain the blaze and protect nearby habitations, according to the IAF.
- The IAF posted images and video of the aerial firefighting on X, documenting the drops and conditions over the fire zone.
- Officials highlighted recent experience in the region, noting a 18 February mission at Walong where helicopters dropped roughly 139,800 litres and reported the fire extinguished.
- Days earlier, on 8 March, the IAF and Indian Army conducted a joint exercise over Tehri Lake with combat free‑fall and static‑line para‑drops to demonstrate inter‑service capability.