Among the tweets that went viral on Oct 17, 2014, the day India successfully test-fired its first subsonic cruise missile, Nirbhay, one read, #Jaguar fighter chases Nirbhay missile! This tweet from this writer took many by surprise. Fighter plane chasing a missile was definitely a new phenomenon for many devotees following India's military might. And, two weeks after India's successful attempt of launching Nirbhay, details are now available with OneIndia about the well-coordinated ‘sky thriller' choreographed by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and executed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) with support from the Indian Navy.
According to sources, the IAF readied two Sukhois (one on as a stand-by) at the Kalaikunda Air Force Station ahead of the launch. The pilots were thoroughly briefed about the designated flight-path, timing of the launch and duration of the flight. Hotlines at the DRDO's Interim Test Range (ITR) in Balasore and IAF HQ in Delhi were busy with the top brass ensuring that the missile sky chase by the fighter goes as planned.
* Pilots will have to keep a safe distance: IAF
* Inspiring role by Services, says DRDO DG
* A great coordinated effort, says ADE Director
* Chasing is a skilled job, says Tejas Test Pilot
To read the above points in detail, hit the OneIndia link: http://bit.ly/10eij8B
Image credit: Stitch India Digital
