Air threat in focus as Antony meets service chiefs

The comprehensive review comes after intelligence reports said there was a possibility that abandoned airstrips in the country could be used as base by terrorists planning suicide strikes using small aircraft. The review by the Defence Minister comes after several rounds of talks between the Civil Aviation Ministry and top Air Force officials for a comprehensive surveillance of such airstrips. A joint security plan has also been drawn up by the Air Force. A separate IB report also cautions of a fidayeen attack at a major airport.

The Defence Minister called for a greater coordination with internal security agencies to ensure that intelligence inputs are actionable at the meeting that was attended by Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta, Air Chief Marshal F H Major, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh

Besides the use of airstrips by non-state actors, the meeting also reviewed the coastal security plan and the equipment needed by security agencies. “The meeting was called to review the security situation and the state of preparedness to face any terrorist threats. The meeting also discussed the plan for coastal security and the acquisition of Systems and Platforms including Coastal Radars and Interceptor Boats,” the Defence Ministry spokesperson said.

While the security review did not discuss increasing force levels along the Western border, the minister asked the Armed Forces to increase vigil along the Line of Control to prevent infiltrations. “The situation along the Line of Control was also discussed, including tightening of measures to prevent infiltration of terrorists. Pakistan occupied Kashmir is known to be an important area for recruitment and training of terrorists,” the defence spokesperson said.