Fearing For Safety Of Aircraft, IAF Asks Local Administration To Ban Pigeon Breeding Close To Ambala Airbase

Following a close call for one of its Jaguar aircraft after it was hit by a flock of birds during take off, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has filed a complaint with local authorities around the airbase at Ambala against locals who have been raising pigeons near it, reports DNA.

"In recent times, there are some locals who are breeding pigeons in their houses. These are in close vicinity to the IAF airfield. These birds are posing a threat to our fighter jets," stated an IAF official.

The especially worrying thing is that Rafale fighter jets will start being deployed at the airbase from somewhere around May 2020, and the newly-acquired aircraft could also be threatened if the problem of birds is not brought under control.

Thus, the force is pushing for a ban on pigeon breeding close to the airbase premises. Its Jaguar aircraft was only saved on account of the pilot’s quick thinking, as he rapidly unloaded his ammunition after taking a direct hit from the birds. and was thus able to pick up some height to manoeuvre a safe landing.