WEB DESK: A video circulating on social media purportedly shows helicopters flying close to the ground, with claims suggesting they are involved in drying wheat fields owned by a military officer. However, the claims are out-and-out false and misleading.
The reality
The helicopters depicted in the video are part of military exercises known as NOE (Nap-of-the-Earth) flights. These exercises involve helicopters flying at extremely low altitudes, skirting tree lines to simulate combat scenarios rather than agricultural activities.
Insights from a former Army Aviator
In a video message, Major Retired Rashid Iqbal, a former pilot of the Army Aviation, provides context to these maneuvers. He explains the strategic importance of NOE flights in training exercises and stressed their role in simulating combat scenarios.
Furthermore, Major Retired Rashid Iqbal highlights the training aspect of these maneuvers, where helicopters simulate combat scenarios by flying close to the ground to evade detection and engage potential enemy targets.
The video message serves as a response to the misinformation circulating on social media. Major Retired Rashid Iqbal urges caution against spreading baseless claims and emphasizes the importance of factual accuracy in discussions about military operations.
آزاد ڈیجیٹل فیکٹ چیک
فصلیں خشک کرنے کیلئے آرمی ہیلی کاپٹرز کے استعمال کی ویڈیو سوشل میڈیا پر محض پروپیگنڈا نکلی۔ سابق پائلٹ آرمی ایوی ایشن میجر (ر) راشد اقبال نے ویڈیو کی حقیقت بتا دی- pic.twitter.com/a1feLChLdA
— Azaad Urdu (@azaad_urdu) May 1, 2024
Final assessment
Our investigation finds discrepancies between the claims circulating on social media and the reality of military exercises. The helicopters in question are engaged in training maneuvers rather than agricultural activities, as claimed in the viral video.
