IAF conducts first-ever night aerial firefighting mission to tackle Kasauli forest blaze

NEW DELHI. The Indian Air Force (IAF) mounted an intensive aerial firefighting operation to contain a major forest fire in Himachal Pradesh’s Kasauli region, carrying out what officials described as the service’s first-ever night-time Bambi Bucket mission using night vision goggles (NVGs).

According to the Ministry of Defence, the IAF received information about the forest fire near Kasauli on May 26 and immediately dispatched a Cheetah helicopter to assess the situation. Following the aerial reconnaissance, Mi-17 V5 medium-lift helicopters were deployed under the aid-to-civil-authorities framework to support efforts to contain the blaze.

The fire, which spread across nearly 10 hectares in the Kasauli Beat area of Solan district, threatened nearby residential settlements, critical civilian infrastructure and military establishments, prompting a coordinated response involving multiple agencies.

Working in close coordination with the state administration, the Forest Department, the Indian Army and local authorities, the IAF undertook sustained Bambi Bucket operations, drawing water from Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh. Each helicopter sortie carried between 2,000 and 2,500 litres of water, which was dropped over the affected areas.

The aerial firefighting campaign continued round the clock, with helicopters conducting repeated missions through both day and night. In total, more than 93,000 litres of water were discharged over the fire zone, significantly aiding efforts to bring the blaze under control and preventing it from escalating into a larger disaster.

A key highlight of the operation was the successful conduct of night-time Bambi Bucket missions using NVGs, marking a first for the Indian Air Force. Executed in mountainous terrain under difficult visibility conditions, the operations required precise flying skills and careful coordination.

Defence officials said the missions posed inherent risks associated with low-level flying and aerial firefighting after dark. However, the operations were completed safely and effectively, demonstrating the proficiency and professionalism of the aircrews involved.

The ministry also highlighted the contribution of ground personnel, who worked under challenging weather conditions to ensure rapid servicing and turnaround of helicopters. Their efforts enabled uninterrupted aerial firefighting operations and sustained sortie generation throughout the mission.

The operation underscored the IAF’s growing role in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, as well as its ability to employ advanced capabilities in support of civil authorities during emergencies.