An Indian Air Force (IAF) SEPECAT Jaguar or “Shamsher” was involved in a bird strike incident on takeoff from Ambala Air Force Station outside the Indian town of Ambala on Thursday, June 27, 2019. Video of the accident posted in Indian media and on Twitter showed the aircraft fly through a group of birds, emit flame from at least one engine, and then jettison its underwing stores. Some of the stores carried by the Jaguar were reported to be “Carrier Bomb Light Stores” pods (CBLS) that exploded on impact.
The aircraft was from the IAF No. 14 Squadron, known as the “Bulls”. The unit operates both the Jaguar IS and IB versions. It was not reported which version was involved in the bird strike incident.
#SavingLives: On the morning of 27 June19, an IAF Jaguar aircraft loaded with two additional fuel drop tanks & Carrier Bomb Light Stores
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) 28 Haziran 2019
(CBLS) pods took off from AFS Ambala for a training
mission. Immediately after take off, the aircraft encountered a flock of
birds. pic.twitter.com/Mb0otqadVe
The Indian Air Force praised the pilot on Twitter, reporting that, “Despite most serious emergencies staring in his face, the young pilot assessed the situation in seconds, jettisoned two additional fuel drop tanks & CBLS Pods as per standard operating procedure & safely landed the aircraft.”
Subsequent tweets went on to say, “His actions bear testimony to the highest professional standards of the IAF resulting from extensive operational training. The professionalism and quick thinking by the pilot not only saved a war waging asset but also the lives of many civilians in the area adjoining the field.”
The SEPECAT Jaguar is twin engine, jet-powered attack aircraft that first flew in 1968. It is a joint venture of France and the UK. The aircraft has been retired from both RAF and French service, but remains in service with India. It has seen extensive combat use in conflicts around the world with many users since its introduction.
