With Indian Air Force helicopters operating in Naxal-dominated areas coming under attack, IAF Chief P V Naik said on Wednesday that they had sought permission from the government to shoot back in self-defence if fired at by Maoist rebels.

IAF helicopters have come under attack several times by small arms fire recently, even leading to the death of a flight engineer last year. The force is increasingly getting involved in anti-Naxal operations, and has been detailed to evacuate casualties, fly in troops and conduct reconnaissance missions.

Air Chief Marshal Naik said they had now written to the Defence Ministry for permission to fire back at ground-based rebels in case its choppers come under attack. “It’s a matter of grave concern as we have lost one air warrior because of unfriendly fire during a rescue operation,” Naik said, talking ahead of Air Force Day celebrations on October 8.

However, Naik made it clear that the IAF is not currently planning any offensive operations against Naxals and ruled out the possibility of employing aircraft for attack missions or for bombing Naxal positions.

“Collateral damage is something we have to be very, very vary of. We would require 120 per cent intelligence. It may be noted that air attacks (by any nation) take place outside the country,” Naik said.

Apart from seeking permission to fire back, the IAF is taking extra precautions like sending in armoured helicopters and clearing landing zones while operating in Naxal areas.

“We take all normal precautions first. The helicopters are, as far as possible, armoured and we are not sending in light choppers. The crew also wears body armour. Most importantly, we are ensuring 100 per cent sanitisation of particular areas where they land and take off,” Naik said.

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