IAF goofs, reveals Army border sites in tender
The Indian Air Force has revealed allegedly sensitive information in a tender document posted on its website, giving the exact coordinates (latitude and longitude) of a number of Army helipads in the vital northern and eastern sectors bordering Pakistan and China.
Defence sources said the information was “not classified” and was available through prominent search engine websites, but admitted that the information “could be construed otherwise” (as sensitive) if so readily available in the public domain. While IAF sources claimed such information had been put in tender documents earlier too, defence sources said Wednesday that the ministry of defence could soon take up the matter with the IAF.
The tender document pertains to hiring of helicopters from PSUs and private airlines to airlift stores for the Army. The exact coordinates of Army helipads in the northern sector (including some near the Line of Control) at locations such as Kishtwar, Chowkibal, Kupwara, Khundru, Sonaarwain, Tangdhar, Inshan, Navapachi, Kanzalwan, Dawar and Niru have been revealed by the IAF in the tender. These helipads fall under the Army’s Udhampur-based Northern Command.
Coordinates have also been revealed for some defence helipads in the eastern sector (including some in Arunachal Pradesh near the Line of Actual Control) which include Tawang, Daporijo, Tato. Taksing, Bidak, Manigong and Chuna. These fall under the Kolkata-based Eastern Command. The helipads are utilised both by the Army and IAF.
Defence sources said the information on coordinates was revealed as part of detailed information in the tender document in the belief that more vendors would apply. The tender was floated by the IAF for airlift of stores, vehicles, equipment, construction material and even Army officers to these remote and sensitive helipads.
The revealing of such information in public by the Indian Air Force has caused some concern as it is felt in some quarters that providing of coordinates of helipads, including some near the LoC (border with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir), could provide an advantage to Pakistan in the event of a conflict. Similarly, the coordinates of helipads in Arunachal near the LAC (border with China) could provide an advantage to the Chinese side. There have been some differences between the Army and the IAF earlier over the enhancement of aviation assets since the Army has its own aviation wing and fleet of helicopters.
Post new comment