An Indian Air Force fighter jet "inadvertently" released an "air store" today at the Pokhran Firing Range in Rajasthan. The Air Force said no injuries have been reported and a court of inquiry has been ordered.
The Indian Air Force in a statement said the incident occurred due to a technical malfunction.
"An inadvertent release of an air store from an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter aircraft took place near Pokhran firing range area, due to technical malfunction, today," the Indian Air Force (IAF) posted on 'X'.
The air store refers to external equipment or munitions attached to a fighter jet's hard points that are located in its underbelly. These air stores can be jettisoned during combat missions. It is unknown which aircraft was involved in the incident and what the nature of the air store was. The Pokhran Firing Range is located in the Thar Desert and is an isolated area used by the Indian Armed Forces to test weapons and conduct firing exercises.
Press Trust of India reported quoting Sub-Inspector of Ramdevra police station Shankar Lal said some people heard a loud bang about a kilometre away from the village following which they rushed to the spot and found pieces of an object lying around.
In April, the Indian Air Force conducted its biggest exercise 'Gagan Shakti' at the Pokhran Firing Range in Jaisalmer. The exercise witnessed all major Indian Air Force fighter jets, helicopters and aircraft.
Featured Video Of The Day
Video: Men On Bikes Harass Woman Riding Scooter At Night In UP's Agra
Indian Air Force Invites Applications For 182 Vacancies, Check Details Air Force Choppers Join Rescue Ops In Uttarakhand, 5000 Evacuated S-400 Air Defence System Shoots Down Almost Entire 'Enemy' Package In Test The Rise Of Sandip Ghosh, And How Doctor Rape-Murder Put Him Under Scanner Indian Doctor Arrested In US For Taking Videos Of Naked Children, Adults Air Force Fighter Jet "Inadvertently" Releases "Air Store" In Pokhran India's $55 Trillion Economy Target Ambitious, But Achievable: IMF Official Try These Vegan Recipes If You Want To Lose Weight Woman Harassed, Dragged By Hair On Mumbai Skywalk, Accused Arrested Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.