‘Steps taken to protect IAF bases’
10 Oct 2013 5:08 AM IST
Conscious of threats posed by Pakistan-based terrorists to its bases, IAF chief NAK Browne on Tuesday said that the Air Force has taken all ‘necessary’ steps to protect its assets and stations.
Stressing on the issue, the IAF chief said, ‘It is a very valid concern. These kinds of things have happened in our neighbourhood (Pakistan) and in the last two years, there have been three such incidents there. We are very conscious of those things and all necessary steps have taken to protect our assets. We are extremely vigilant.’
On the occasion of celebrations of the 81st Air Force Day, Browne said, ‘We are extremely vigilant. The safety and security of our assets is our prime responsibility. While ensuring their physical security, there is also an increasing need to ensure security of our communication and information networks.’
Regarding the recent the operation in Keran and the involvement of IAF in it, Browne said, ‘It is a tactical operation. They (the Army) have already killed seven (terrorists). Because of the terrain and the situation there we do not want to expose our boys. The good part is that we have not lost any our boys.’ The Army, he said, is very capable to handle such situations.
Asked about the role of Mi-17V5 choppers in anti-Naxal operations, the IAF chief said, ‘These choppers would help the security forces to carry out day and night operations. The Mi-17V5 gives us a lot of additional capabilities. Nobody should get a feeling that it is dark and night, no body can reach them,’ he said.
Browne in his speech at the event, said, ‘The C-130J special operation aircraft and Mi-17V5 fleets have been fully operationalised. These aircrafts are now actively engaged in executing important operational missions across India’. Browne also said that the V-5 helicopters will soon be inducted to ‘boost’ the anti-Naxal operations.
Calling the assets ‘expensive and scarce’, he said, ‘Safety and security of these is our top most priority.’
Questioned about IAF’s attempt to attract youth by inviting star crickets such as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, Browne said, ‘Sachin was supposed to be at the Air House reception on Tuesday, but he cancelled due to a family function. As and when they want to express desire, we will think about that. Right now there is no plan from their or our side.’
The 81st IAF parade saw myriad colours adorning the sky as paratroopers came downflaunting the Air Force flag and the Tricolour. Varied fighter and carrier aircrafts flew past, while the high point was stolen by Tiger Moth, an aircraft inducted by the air force pre independence. Gallantry Vayu Seva Medals were given to four air force officers, 14 got the Vayu Sena Medal, while 28 got Vishisht Seva Medal.
Stressing on the issue, the IAF chief said, ‘It is a very valid concern. These kinds of things have happened in our neighbourhood (Pakistan) and in the last two years, there have been three such incidents there. We are very conscious of those things and all necessary steps have taken to protect our assets. We are extremely vigilant.’
On the occasion of celebrations of the 81st Air Force Day, Browne said, ‘We are extremely vigilant. The safety and security of our assets is our prime responsibility. While ensuring their physical security, there is also an increasing need to ensure security of our communication and information networks.’
Regarding the recent the operation in Keran and the involvement of IAF in it, Browne said, ‘It is a tactical operation. They (the Army) have already killed seven (terrorists). Because of the terrain and the situation there we do not want to expose our boys. The good part is that we have not lost any our boys.’ The Army, he said, is very capable to handle such situations.
Asked about the role of Mi-17V5 choppers in anti-Naxal operations, the IAF chief said, ‘These choppers would help the security forces to carry out day and night operations. The Mi-17V5 gives us a lot of additional capabilities. Nobody should get a feeling that it is dark and night, no body can reach them,’ he said.
Browne in his speech at the event, said, ‘The C-130J special operation aircraft and Mi-17V5 fleets have been fully operationalised. These aircrafts are now actively engaged in executing important operational missions across India’. Browne also said that the V-5 helicopters will soon be inducted to ‘boost’ the anti-Naxal operations.
Calling the assets ‘expensive and scarce’, he said, ‘Safety and security of these is our top most priority.’
Questioned about IAF’s attempt to attract youth by inviting star crickets such as Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, Browne said, ‘Sachin was supposed to be at the Air House reception on Tuesday, but he cancelled due to a family function. As and when they want to express desire, we will think about that. Right now there is no plan from their or our side.’
The 81st IAF parade saw myriad colours adorning the sky as paratroopers came downflaunting the Air Force flag and the Tricolour. Varied fighter and carrier aircrafts flew past, while the high point was stolen by Tiger Moth, an aircraft inducted by the air force pre independence. Gallantry Vayu Seva Medals were given to four air force officers, 14 got the Vayu Sena Medal, while 28 got Vishisht Seva Medal.
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