Terrifying air show moment as jet dives to avoid bird strike

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A Spanish air force pilot is being hailed for his quick thinking and precision after pulling off a dramatic manoeuvre to avoid a flock of birds during a live display at the International Air Festival in Gijón. Footage shared online captured the tense moment an F-18 fighter jet suddenly dipped toward the beach below before rapidly climbing back into the sky, alarming onlookers who initially feared a serious malfunction. Spain’s Air and Space Force later confirmed the incident was a controlled response to an unexpected bird strike risk. "Our aviators are trained to react in milliseconds to any unforeseen event," the force said in a statement. "In this case, the pilot acted with exemplary speed and professionalism, avoiding a possible impact without compromising the display." The near miss was handled in line with standard safety protocols, they added, and no injuries or damage were reported.