New Delhi: A tactical drone operated by the Indian Army inadvertently crossed the Line of Control (LoC) from Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri sector, landing in Pakistan on Friday, as reported by India Today TV. The Pakistan Army reportedly recovered the drone shortly after it landed.The drone, which was conducting a routine surveillance mission, crossed the LoC around 9:30 AM. The Indian Army is expected to engage in Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) level talks with the Pakistan Army to address the incident and possibly arrange for the drones retrieval.Recent technical malfunction in Indian Air ForceThis incident follows a recent technical issue involving the Indian Air Force (IAF). Two days prior, an IAF fighter aircraft experienced a malfunction that led to the unintentional release of an air store near the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthans Jaisalmer district. Officials confirmed that the released object was a practice bomb intended for training exercises.The practice bomb landed in an open area, causing a blast and creating a crater near the Pakistan border. Fortunately, there were no casualties or property damage reported. The IAF has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the technical malfunction that led to the accidental release.Understanding air stores in military aviationIn military aviation, an air store refers to any external equipment or payload attached to a fighter jet for various missions. This includes both operational weapons and training devices. The accidental release of such equipment highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance and safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
