Friday, February 13, 2009
Bangalore: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal F H Major on Thursday said unused airstrips in the country posed a serious security threat and appealed to the state government to provide them adequate security.
Major told reporters at Aero India that these airstrips, which number upto 500, could be used by terrorists to operate small aircraft.
“The unused airstrips can be used for not so honest purposes and being a state subject, the Home Ministry has asked the state governments to secure them,” he said.
With India’s air defence surveillance a bit weak and IAF having a few glitches at low-level radar coverage, threat perception should be viewed seriously.
Admitting that IAF squadron strength was below sanctioned strength, he said at the moment, the squadron strength is 34 as against sanctioned strength of thirty-nine-and-half.
He also said IAF would like fewer types of aircraft instead of a diversified fleet as in the case now.
13/02/09 ExpressBuzz To read the news in full | PermaLink
Major told reporters at Aero India that these airstrips, which number upto 500, could be used by terrorists to operate small aircraft.
“The unused airstrips can be used for not so honest purposes and being a state subject, the Home Ministry has asked the state governments to secure them,” he said.
With India’s air defence surveillance a bit weak and IAF having a few glitches at low-level radar coverage, threat perception should be viewed seriously.
Admitting that IAF squadron strength was below sanctioned strength, he said at the moment, the squadron strength is 34 as against sanctioned strength of thirty-nine-and-half.
He also said IAF would like fewer types of aircraft instead of a diversified fleet as in the case now.
13/02/09 ExpressBuzz To read the news in full | PermaLink
