Indian Airports at Risk? CISF Asks For New Bulletproof Jackets Which Can Withstand AK-47 Bullets

New Delhi, June 29: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has asked for replacement of bulletproof jackets for its personnel. According to a report published in Hindustan Times, the CISF has demanded new bulletproof jackets as the current jackets are incapable of withstanding bullets fired from AK 47 assault rifles.

Over 25,000 CISF personnel provides security to 60 of the 98 operational airports in India. A senior CISF officer on the condition of anonymity told Hindustan Times, "The issued has been the ministry of civil aviation last month." According to the report, the forces have around 1,000 bulletproof jackets and it wants to procure 1,500 new jackets. The officer also added that jackets procured by CISF in 2011 could be pierced by bullets fired from a close range, which could hurt security personnel.

“The guidelines of the ministry of home affairs say that there should be a replacement every five years. The latest version can withstand several rounds of firing even from close range,” Hindustan Times reported quoting the officer as saying. As most of the airports are on high alert, so new bulletproof jackets are important. The force has provided a list of equipment to the aviation ministry.

According to the report, The CISF has also demanded 19,000 personnel for aviation security and at least 4,000 are needed immediately for Metro airports. Bulletproof jackets are necessary for those who are patrolling the approach to the terminal and also for the personnel who are part of the Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs).

The Bureau for Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which frames guidelines related to aviation security, is looking for replacements for the jackets. The bureau will also write to private airport operators and the state-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) to purchase the latest version of the bulletproof jackets. Purchasing security-related equipment is the responsibility of airport operators. The bureau is also testing some of latest bulletproof technologies.

In April, an audit conducted by the paramilitary agency has made a shocking revelation that only six out of 59 airports guarded by the CISF are equipped to diffuse and dispose of explosives. The report raised concerns over the security of the airports and safety of passengers. Airports at Delhi, Mumbai Chennai, Kolkata, Cochin and Hyderabad are equipped with bomb detection and diffusal squads.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2018 11:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).