IAF Scrambles Sukhoi Fighters After Mid-Air Bomb Scare On Iranian Plane

Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters were scrambled on October 3 following a mid-air bomb scare on board an Iranian airliner transiting through Indian airspace. The aircraft was reportedly en route to China 

While declining the Iranian pilot’s request to land in Delhi, Indian authorities offered him the option of landing at Jaipur or Chandigarh. 

“However, the pilot declared his unwillingness to divert to either of the two airports. After a while, intimation was received from Tehran to disregard the bomb scare, following which, the aircraft continued on its journey towards its final destination,” the IAF declared in a statement. 

IAF fighters scrambled, reportedly from airbases in Punjab and Rajasthan, and followed the Iranian aircraft at a safe distance. 

“All actions were taken by IAF as per the laid down procedure, jointly with Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The aircraft was under close radar surveillance by the Air Force throughout the Indian airspace,” the IAF statement elaborated. 

Vishal Thapar

BW Reporters Group Editorial Head for BW’s Defence, Security & Police