IAF Firefighting Ops: Mi-17 Helicopters Tackle Massive Wildfires in Arunachal and Nagaland
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 18, 2026 — The Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a dual-front aerial offensive to combat devastating wildfires raging across the difficult terrains of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.
In a display of relentless precision, IAF helicopters successfully extinguished a major blaze in Walong, Arunachal Pradesh, by dropping a massive 139,800 litres of water using specialized Bambi Buckets.
The mission required navigating narrow valleys and unpredictable wind patterns to ensure the water reached the heart of the forest fire, preventing further destruction of the region’s rich biodiversity.
Simultaneously, the firefighting mission continues in the iconic Dzukou Valley of Nagaland, where Mi-17 V5 helicopters are battling persistent flames near Japfu Peak. Operating under high-stress conditions characterized by steep slopes, poor visibility, and rarefied air, pilots are drawing water from Padumpokhiri Lake in Dimapur to douse the high-altitude inferno.
Despite the logistical hurdles of operating at such elevations, the IAF’s coordinated efforts are proving instrumental in protecting the fragile ecosystem of the North East from further environmental damage.