Video: IAF Responds To Forest Fires In Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley, Deploys Mi-17 Helicopter

Last Updated:January 30, 2026, 07:25 IST

Indian Air Force used Mi-17V5 helicopters to drop 12,000 litres of water on Lohit Valley forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh.

IAF dropped 12,000 litres of water to battle forest fires in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley. (Photo: X/@IAF_MCC)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mi-17V5 helicopters to drop at least 12,000 litres of water to battle forest fires in the Lohit Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. The operation took place at a challenging altitude of nearly 9,500 feet in the rarefied Himalayan air.

IAF shared images and videos of the mission on X and highlighted the challenging conditions at high altitude.

“Battling forest fires at nearly 9,500 feet in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit Valley. IAF Mi-17V5 helicopters dropped 12,000 litres of water in the rarefied Himalayan air, showcasing exceptional courage, precision and a commitment towards protecting lives and fragile ecosystems," IAF’s post on X reads.

This operation is part of a series of rapid response initiatives by the IAF. In another swift reaction, the IAF dispatched a team of Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel along with essential technical equipment from Air Force Station Lohegaon to Baramati Airport in Maharashtra, following an urgent request from the state government.

According to Defence officials, the team quickly established emergency ATC services, including communication and other essential facilities, in coordination with the local administration to ensure safe and efficient air traffic management.

Addressing the recent incident at Baramati Airport, the IAF noted in a social media post that a dedicated team of Air Warriors was deployed at the urgent request of civic authorities following a plane crash. The team provided basic ATC and Meteorological services to facilitate safe air operations.

“In response to the civic authorities’ urgent request after the tragic aircraft crash at Baramati Airport, the Indian Air Force has swiftly deployed a dedicated team of Air Warriors. They are providing essential basic Air Traffic Control (ATC) and Meteorological services to support safe air operations from the site. This rapid assistance underscores IAF’s commitment to national service in times of need," the IAF wrote.

The Baramati deployment came in the wake of the tragic death of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who died in a charter plane crash in the district on Thursday morning.

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