Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 12

Over six months after terrorists infiltrated into the Pathankot Air Force Station and engaged security forces in a three-day gunfight, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is installing Integrated Perimeter Security System (IPSS) at an airbase in the western sector as a pilot project.The pilot project will be used for evaluating the system and security methodology and incorporating suitable modifications. The IAF has plans to install similar systems at 54 airbases across the country and is looking at the industry to meet its requirements on a turn-key basis.The IAF issued a request for proposal this week seeking participation from private vendors to supply, install, test, integrate and commission an integrated security system at an airbase under the Western Air Command having a perimeter of about 25 km.The integrated system comprises a smart electrical power fence capable of detecting and deterring intruders, thermal cameras with wide area surveillance and tracking ability in darkness, fog and bad weather, closed circuit TV cameras with built in motion detector and vibration sensors to detect waling, crawling or digging movements. All sensor inputs would be processed and analysed by a security-control software at a control centre.While the IAF moves to enhance perimeter security of its installations, the issue of encroachments and unauthorised constructions such as houses, commercial establishments and shacks around airbases and other sensitive military installations continue to be a cause of concern.In gross violation of statutory provisions, illegal constructions have, over the years, come up right up to the perimeter walls of military installations and at many places even under the aircraft’s approach path, raising security and safety issues.Apart from smart fences, the IAF has also initiated several other measures such as procuring light armoured vehicles, weapons, protective gear and other technical equipment to enhance the capability of its security teams.

1st system under Western Command

• As a pilot project, the IAF is installing Integrated Perimeter Security System (IPSS) at an airbase under the Western Air Command
• The project will be used for evaluating the system and security methodology and incorporating suitablemodifications
• The IAF issued a request for proposal this week seeking participation from private vendors to supply, install, test, integrate and commission the IPSS