Indian Air Force to Spend Up to $22Mln on Security Across 54 Bases

The Indian Air Force will spend the equivalent of up to $22.1 million to ensure security at its bases after an attack on one near the Pakistani border, Indian media quoted a senior air force official involved in the process as saying Thursday.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik) – The decision was made after three servicemen were killed on January 2 in a militant attack on the Pathankot air base.

"We estimate that about Rs 100-150 crore [$14.7 million to $22.1 million] each will be required for new security measures for 54 major bases. This will be the first stage to be followed by upgrade of security of other installations," the official told The Economic Times.

Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar’s security audit points to the need for smart surveillance systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and advanced intrusion detection systems, the publication states.

"The requirements of each base are unique and there will not be any standard upgrade. Depending on the specific requirements of the base, a plan will be drawn," the official added.

The Indian Foreign Ministry called on Pakistan to deliver "prompt and decisive action" based on the evidence provided to it by India about the terror attack, suggesting that the assailants were Pakistani Kashmir-based Jaish-e-Mohammed militants.