New Security measures in wake of Pathankot attack to cost close to Rs 9,000 crore
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued shoot-at- sight orders for any intruder in its front-line bases near Pakistan border.
The new security protocol has been adopted following recommendations of a security audit committee instituted in the aftermath of the recent Pathankot Air Base attack that led to the death of seven security men in a pre-dawn attack on January 2 even as the terrorists failed to harm the fighter aircraft and other vital properties there.
A senior IAF official said here on Wednesday that 54 bases have been identified where the security will be beefed up on a priority basis. Most of these bases are on the western sector towards Pakistan.
The security audit was carried out at close to 950 IAF installations -- both flying and non-flying -- across the country and security measures will be implemented at all of them in a phased manner.
The measures, that also include putting up electronic perimeter detection system and using quad-copter drones which are multirotor small unmanned helicopters, thermal cameras and night vision equipment will cost around Rs 9,000 crore and the proposal has been shared with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the official said.
He, however, didn't specify any time line for it and said that "the implementation needs to be carried out at the earliest".
The official further said that a one-man committee has been set up under a senior IAF officer to monitor the implementation.
"We have identified all our valuable assets and valuable points where the security gaps have to be filled," said the official.
Meanwhile, an additional 10 units having 70-80 commandos each of The Garud (Special Forces of the IAF) will be raised to protect the vital installations.
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