New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is installing an integrated perimeter security system at an airbase in the western sector as a pilot project as part of the strategy to make all airbases full proof from the kind of attack the terrorists mounted on the Pathankot air force station early January.
The pilot project will be used to evaluate the system and security methodology, with suitable modifications to install similar systems at all 54 air bases across the country. The IAF is looking for a role of Indian companies in this endeavour.
Also read: 11 cops on 24-hour duty to protect Pathankot attackers’ decomposing bodies
It issued a “Request for Proposal” (ReP) early this week, inviting private vendors to supply, install, test, integrate and commission an integrated security system at an air base under the Western Air Command spread over 25 square kms of perimeters.
The notice says the system should comprise a smart electrical power fence capable of detecting and deterring the intruders, thermal cameras with wide area surveillance and tracking ability in darkness, fog and bad weather, closed circuit TV cameras with built-in motion detector and vibration sensors to detect walling, crawling or digging movements. All sensor outputs are required to be processed and analysed by a security control software at a control centre.
IAF sources said they are fully securing the air bases but still the security may not be foolproof unless the local civilian authorities held in tackling the problems of encroachments and unauthorised constructions of houses, commercial establishments and shacks around the airbases.
Also read: India, Pakistan moving in tandem, for once
They said the illegal constructions have mushroomed right up to the perimeter walls of the military installations and at many places even under the aircraft”s approach path raising security and safety issues. They say there is a statutory provision banning any construction or civilian activities up to five km from the perimeters but the civilian authorities have never cooperated to enforce it.
Apart from the smart fences, the IAF has also initiated several other measures such as procuring light armoured vehicles, weapons, protective gear and other technical equipment to enhance the security capabilities, the sources added.
