IAF wants right to fire at Maoists in defence

The Indian Air Force, which is expanding its role in anti-Maoist operations, wants the right to fire in self-defence, if attacked by left wing extremists. 

 The IAF has written to the defence ministry as one of its helicopters was attacked during the last general elections.

Air chief marshal PV Naik said their role would expand, in terms of surveillance, casualty evacuation and troop movement.

The use of helicopter gunships in anti-Maoist operations, which is not permitted by the government, will be tricky as collateral damage could be very high.

“It is difficult to distinguish between good and bad guys. A decision has to be taken at the highest level before we go into the attack mode,” Naik said.

Until the request is accepted, the air force will take “tactical measures” to minimise the threat to its helicopters, Naik said.

“We take precautions in terms of the altitude we fly at, the way we descend and the uniform we wear,” he said. The air force plans to use armoured, and not light helicopters, for its operations.