The IAF gave details such as altitude, longitude, latitude and other dimensions of forward military bases in northern and eastern commands, covering most of the border areas shared with Pakistan and China, in a tender document.
The details are contained in an annexure attached to the Request for Proposal issued by IAF for hiring helicopters from private airlines and public sector undertakings for operations in these forward areas. The decision to hire helicopters from PSUs and private airlines was prompted by their shortage with the air force, especially at a time when winter stocking for remote Army posts have to be carried out. These helicopters are desperately needed to maintain forward Army bases, details of which have now been revealed.
A defence ministry official dismissed concerns about security breach, saying in the era of Google Earth, finding coordinates and other specifics of a military base was not a difficult task.
However, some military sources said it was unusual for a tender document issued to commercial firms to contain coordinates of forward military bases. The RFP says there are 1,075 bases in the northern sector and 1,081 in the eastern sector.
At the recently concluded Army commanders conference, there was extensive discussion on logistical support to forward bases and the need to improve it. Army has sought night landing facilities and more rigorous helicopter support from IAF. This time of the year is very crucial as IAF carries out extensive operations to ferry winter stocks in remote Army posts along the border. It is for this exercise that IAF is now looking to hire helicopters from PSUs and private operators.
- The Times of India
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.