IAF issues shoot-at-sight orders against intruders in Western Sector

The official further said that a one-man committee has been set up under a senior IAF officer to monitor the implementation.

The audit was ordered following the January 2 terrorist attack on the IAF base at Pathankot town in Punjab in which seven security personnel were killed.

Most air bases in the Western sector continue to be on high alert following the attack at Pathankot. IAF has also asked the government to strictly enforce the existing ban against any construction within 100 metres of any airbase and within 900 metres of any ammunition depot, which is often flouted.

A trespasser would include not only a person with unauthorized access but also anyone attempting to enter the base by scaling the perimeter wall.

A senior officer of the IAF, who did not want to be named, said it has been decided that “smart fencing” and other changes to strengthen security will be taken up at all 54 major air bases across the country.

Sources said now, more than 54 of the 295 Indian Air Force establishments – across the Western, Eastern and Southern Air Bases – will be provided what was called “smart security”.

“But since the cost is high, we had first looked at protecting our assets and strengthening the defences of the technical areas, we were had planned to strengthen the perimeter defence subsequently”, the officer said.

He said the government has told IAF that there will be no financial constraints for these works. “We hope to get it going as soon as possible”, he said, adding that the IAF is fast-tracking the process. “The expenditure will come to about ‘100-150 crore per base”, the official said, adding that two teams from the Directorate of Air Staff had carried out the security audit of the bases. “Upgrading security is a continuous process, with security audits being conducted once every six months”, he said.