The Indian Air Force (IAF) mounted a rapid response operation to combat a major forest fire in the Mebo and Sigar areas of Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh, deploying a Mil Mi‑17V5 helicopter to help contain the blaze.
According to officials, the helicopter carried out multiple sorties over the affected region, releasing around 66,000 litres of water to control the spreading flames and safeguard nearby habitations.
In a post on X, the IAF shared images and videos of the wildfire and the aerial firefighting efforts. The force highlighted the swift response and operational precision demonstrated during the mission.
“IAF demonstrated rapid response and operational precision in Arunachal Pradesh, deploying a Mi-17 V5 helicopter to battle a major forest fire in the Mebo and Sigar areas of Pasighat. Over multiple sorties, 66,000 litres of water were released to contain the blaze and protect nearby habitations,” the post said.
#IAF demonstrated rapid response & operational precision in Arunachal Pradesh, deploying a Mi-17 V5 helicopter to battle a major forest fire in the Mebo & Sigar areas of Pasighat.
Over multiple sorties, the IAF released 66,000 litres of water to contain the blaze and protect… pic.twitter.com/ZeG57nz3qG— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 10, 2026
IAF’s disaster support role
The operation comes weeks after the IAF carried out another firefighting mission in the Northeast. On February 18, IAF helicopters tackled major wildfires at Walong in Arunachal Pradesh under challenging terrain and difficult flying conditions.
During that operation, helicopters dropped nearly 139,800 litres of water to extinguish the blaze in the affected region successfully.
Indian Air Force helicopters are battling wildfires at two fronts, conducting relentless aerial firefighting missions in challenging terrain. At Walong, Arunachal Pradesh, a total of 139,800 litres of water has been dropped, successfully extinguishing the blaze. Simultaneously,… pic.twitter.com/rYQZYdVau7
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) February 18, 2026
Joint exercise with Army
Separately, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army conducted a joint exercise on March 8 over Tehri Lake to demonstrate their operational capabilities.
The drill featured combat-free-fall and static-line para-drops from IAF aircraft, highlighting coordination and interoperability between the two forces.
The exercise showcased “seamless inter-service synergy and operational capability,” the IAF said, underscoring the armed forces’ readiness to conduct complex joint operations.
On 08 Mar 26, #IAF aircraft carried out Combat Free-Fall and Static Line para-drops over Tehri Lake, in a joint ex with Indian Army. The ex showcased seamless inter-service synergy and operational capability.#Jointness#IndianAirForce@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD… pic.twitter.com/HbHDr8d9aB
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 8, 2026