INDIA: Indian air force fighter pilots who recently flew from their base in northern India to Alaska for manoeuvres led by the US Air Force wore nappies beneath their flight suits as a "precautionary measure" during the long journey.
Before they took off earlier this month from their base in Ambala, which is located 200km north of New Delhi, the pilots of six Jaguar aircraft strapped on the nappies to pre-empt any "leaks" during their round trip of 19,760km.
The British-made fighters, like most other combat aircraft, have no toilet facilities.
Official sources said the fighter pilots experimented with what were described as "spill-proof" pouches, but settled for nappies.
The flight, to participate in Co-operative Cope Thunder, the US Air Force's premier combat exercise that is currently under way, was the longest journey the Indian pilots had ever undertaken.
"Crew comfort is of utmost importance," said an Indian Air Force spokesman.