Indian Air Force orders shoot at sight

New Delhi: Following last month Pathankot attack, the Indian Air Force has ordered shoot-at-sight intruders at more than 20 key bases for safety in the western sector to prevent terror attack.

Security personnel have been ordered to shoot down intruders without issuing the standard warning.

Fifty-four vital bases were identified in a special audit by the IAF where security will be upgraded at a cost of more than Rs 8,000 crore. It plans to tap smart technologies available globally for perimeter protection of huge bases.

These upgrades will include smart fences, vibration detection systems, mini drones, thermal cameras and night vision equipment to detect intruders and respond swiftly in case of an attempted breach.

However, a consistent problem the IAF has been dealing with is the unauthorised constructions that take place in in the vicinity. The IAF has raised the matter with the government again to ensure that the rules are implemented – no construction within 100 metres of any airbase and within 900 metres of its ammunition depots.