The Indian Air Force (IAF) responded swiftly to reports of an unidentified flying object (UFO) near Imphal airport on Sunday. After receiving the information, the IAF scrambled its Rafale fighter aircraft to investigate the sighting, which occurred around 2:30 pm. The presence of the UFO led to disruptions in a few commercial flights, as reported by PTI.
According to defense sources, the Rafale fighter aircraft, equipped with advanced sensors, conducted low-level flying over the suspected area in an attempt to locate the UFO. However, the initial search did not yield any results. Subsequently, another Rafale fighter was dispatched for a second search, but the UFO was not found in the vicinity.
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While videos of the UFO over Imphal airport circulated, the relevant authorities are actively working to ascertain more details about the mysterious object. The incident prompted the activation of the Air Defence response mechanism by the Eastern Command of the Indian Air Force, headquartered in Shillong. Despite the activation, the small object was not sighted again.
The Rafale fighters involved in the search are based at the Hashimara air base in West Bengal and regularly operate in the eastern sector along the China border. These aircraft recently participated in the extensive Air Force exercise Poorvi Akash, demonstrating the IAF's readiness along the China border in collaboration with the Army.
