The Indian Air Force on Wednesday launched an air-combat mobile game featuring a character resembling its pilot shot down and captured by Pakistan during recent heightened tensions between the nuclear arch-rivals.
Air Force Launches Mobile Game, Featuring Abhinandan Varthaman Lookalike https://t.co/5WMb3fhC4d
— Vishal Rangade (@VRangade) July 31, 2019
Move Over #PUBG, Indian Air Force has released its own Mobile Game. Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee & the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa launched the super game.@SpokespersonMoD @PIB_India @iaf pic.twitter.com/hyIufxIv2d
— Mayukh Ranjan Ghosh (@mayukhrghosh) July 31, 2019
The character, who looks like handlebar-moustached wing commander Abhinandan Varthaman, can be seen at the start of the single player game's teaser trailer released by the air force on Twitter.
"I fly deep into enemy territory, and strike fear in the heart of my enemies," the text of the trailer said as it showed shots of fighter jets shooting at enemy's targets.
Abhinandan in February was shot down in a dogfight with Pakistani aircraft over the disputed region of Kashmir, divided between India and Pakistan since 1947 and where they have fought two wars.
The incident followed a massive suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian troops on February 14, with the attack claimed by a Pakistan-based militant group.
#India Air Force launches mobile game featuring character resembling pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, with authorities hoping it will spur India's youth to join the defense forceshttps://t.co/iR7qF0Uiyd
— Newsweek Pakistan (@NewsweekPak) August 1, 2019
Indian warplanes then launched a strike inside Pakistani territory, sparking an incursion by Islamabad that led to Abhinandan's downing and capture.
The Android and iOS-based mobile game "Indian Air Force: A Cut Above" will let players fly different aircraft and complete various missions.
The authorities hope to the game will spur India's youth to join the defense forces, which now compete with the fast-expanding private sector for top talent.
