IAF to Take Steps to Counter Naxal Attacks

Central government has said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) will take sufficient counter-measures to guard its aircrafts and pilots from Naxal attacks.

“The IAF will take adequate counter-measures,” Home Minister P Chidambaram said

He was responding to a query about IAF seeking permission from the Defence Ministry to open fire at Naxals if its helicopters or air crew came under attack. However, he declined to reveal any details.

The minister said that an IAF helicopter was fired at by the Maoists a few weeks back in Chhattisgarh. Air Chief Marshal P V Naik had said the IAF had sought permission from the Defence Ministry to open fire in self-defence if its helicopters or air crew operating in the Maoist-infested areas came under attack.