IAF on 'very high alert' in south India | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

IAF on 'very high alert' in south India

IANS | By, New Delhi
Feb 21, 2009 05:36 PM IST

IAF is already on "very high alert" along the country's southern tip and no additional steps are needed following a Tamil Tiger air raid on Colombo, militay sources said on Saturday.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is already on "very high alert" along the country's southern tip and no additional steps are needed following a Tamil Tiger air raid on Colombo, militay sources said on Saturday.

HT Image
HT Image

"We are already in a state of very high alert due to the ongoing Dakshin Prahar exercise and no additional measures are required in the wake of the air raid on Colombo," a military source told IANS.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"There is also no requirement to move up our fighters as the aircraft the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil) use can easily be sorted out with air defence guns and SAMs (surface-to-air missiles)," the source added.

Two people were killed and over 50 wounded when two LTTE aircraft bombed Colombo Friday night. Both planes were shot down as they tried to fly back to the Tiger-held area in the island's north.

The sources pointed out that after a similar LTTE air raid on Colombo in 2007, the IAF had moved up its transportable radar units (TRUs) to ensure there were no gaps in the surveillance assets facing Sri Lanka.

"We then started integrating the civilian and military radars. The air space along the entire region (facing Sri Lanka) is now more than adequately covered," the source said.

"We are fully prepared to counter any hostile aircraft that might try to sneak through," the sources added.

Responding to a question on the safety of nuclear installations in south India against potential aerial strikes, the source said: "These are very well guarded through spot air defences and area defences. They are under no kind of danger."

The Dakshin Prahar exercise, now in its second edition, aims at the integration of military and civilian radars to ensure the flexible and optimum use of airspace over the southern peninsula.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On