Man steals plane, flies toward Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant

Panic briefly gripped Hungary as a stolen light aircraft was detected heading towards the Paks nuclear power plant, prompting the scramble of two Gripen fighter jets. The aircraft, allegedly taken without authorization from the Kalocsa airfield, triggered an immediate military response due to its proximity to one of the country's most sensitive strategic locations.

Military radar tracked the plane shortly after its takeoff. The incident concluded within minutes when the small aircraft executed an emergency landing in a field near the town of Gerjen. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The military aircraft remained in the area until rescue helicopters and ground crews arrived.

Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the theft and the flight path. The Paks Nuclear Power Plant operates under strict no-fly zones. Civilian aircraft are prohibited within a three-kilometer radius and below 6,000 meters, explaining the swift reaction to the unauthorized approach.

Hungarian media identified the aircraft as a Cessna 172, reportedly stolen by a 24-year-old man. The plane sustained damage to its landing gear upon landing. While emergency services responded, further details about the individual involved have not yet been released by authorities. The Minister of Defense described the event as an unusual alert, emphasizing the air defense system's responsiveness.

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The intervention demonstrated the reaction capability of the country's air defense system.