IAF can now fire at Naxals in self-defence
The Indian Air Force has received permission from the government to fire back at Naxalites in self-defence in case IAF helicopters are attacked, top defence sources confirmed Thursday. However, stringent conditionalities have been attached to the permission given, to prevent any collateral damage.
There are currently about four IAF helicopters that are utilised for casualty evacuation in Naxal-affected areas. These helicopters fly hundreds of sorties. The IAF has insisted that airfields in Naxal-affected areas should be sanitised before a IAF helicopter lands. The personnel on every such helicopter include two IAF special forces “Garud” personnel. The IAF personnel on board these helicopters cannot fire back unless fired upon first. They also have to identify the source of the firing before firing back in self-defence. The helicopters are also equipped with a mounted gun for this.
The IAF has also got government permission to withdraw its helicopters stationed in Africa on UN peacekeeping duties since the Air Force faces a shortage of helicopters for its operations.
The IAF had earlier submitted a proposal to the government seeking permission to fire in self-defence after one of its personnel was killed two years ago when Naxals attacked a IAF helicopter in Chhattisgarh.
Sources said if the presence of rockets in the arsenal of the Naxals is confirmed, airfields would be sanitised to the required range before IAF helicopters land. The IAF is also focusing on deployment of armoured helicopters to ensure that they are not vulnerable to Naxal fire. Ensuring the physical safety of personnel on board the helicopters is a top priority, defence sources said, adding that the IAF would also deploy necessary tactics to ensure that they were not vulnerable to attack.
The IAF is reluctant to take on a combat role in anti-Naxal operations as it fears this could result in collateral damage to civilians. Within the country, the IAF had undertaken strafing just once during the 1960s in the Northeast as part of counter-insurgency operations, but this was discontinued following an outcry. The IAF does not want a repeat of that. In the light of the crucial role played by helicopters for casualty evacuation and also in natural disasters such as the recent cloudburst over Leh, the IAF hopes to augment its fleet by acquisition of 80 light-utility helicopters.
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