‘Drone strikes a major threat’: Air Force has deployed counter drone systems at bases, says Air Commodore Shekhar Yadav of Pune AFS

During the interaction, the Air Commodore discussed issues regarding operations as a joint user airfield, drone flying, concerns related to bird strikes and also about the security of the vital military installations.

1) Air Commodore Yadav, the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Air Force Station, Pune. (Special Arrangement)

On a query on drones, the Air Officer said the government has issued a new policy on drone usage which all drone operators are expected to follow and have to seek necessary clearances to enable separation from other flying aircraft to ensure requisite safety.

“With the proliferation of many small models of drones…there is an increased risk to aircraft, more so in the vicinity of the airfield areas. Additionally, drone strikes have emerged as major threats to military installations and must be detected early enough to protect assets and troops. Flying bases and areas up to three kilometres of radius are a ‘no drone zone’. To address this, the Air Force has installed counter drone systems at its bases which involve soft kill as well as hard kill on unidentified flying objects. Therefore, the public or any organisation is requested to seek clearance from the closest airport or Air Force Station before undertaking any drone flying,” the officer said.

Apart from numerous maintenance and administrative units, the Pune Air Base hosts two fighter squadrons of the IAF’s frontline jet Sukhoi-30 MKI, an Air Defence squadron and a radar unit. These squadrons have a proud legacy of active participation in 1965 and 1971 conflicts.

On the question about bird strikes and countermeasures, the Air Officer agreed that bird strikes are a critical concern during the take-off, approach and landing phases of flight.

“Elaborate studies have been conducted to establish the patterns of bird activity around the airfield. It has been found that major attractions for the birds are loosely thrown garbage and day-to-day domestic waste from households. To address the issue, the flight safety section at this base undertakes regular study of critical zones around the airfield area and conducts awareness camps in the concerned localities to educate people. It is our appeal to the general public that they should not litter around openly and follow proper garbage disposal of the waste,” Air Commodore Yadav said.

AFS Pune has been the first base for many aircraft inductions in IAF. These include aircraft such as the Tempest, Vampire, Canberra, Super Constellation, Hunter and the first indigenous combat aircraft Marut and also the Mig-21 Bison. Pune is one of the premier Air Bases to maintain and fly all contemporary aircraft in the inventory. Practically, all the aircraft, which have flown with the Indian Air Force after Independence, have seen the skies of the Pune.

On the security measures at the Air Base, Air Commodore Yadav said, “The station has an elaborate security setup and regular training and drills are conducted to keep our personnel and procedures in shape and ready for any eventuality. A network of CCTVs and other modern equipment are employed for continuous surveillance and timely response. In addition, local police, intelligence agencies and mutual support from Army establishments is in place to respond to any contingency. At the same time, it is expected that the people of Pune, especially those living close to the Base, will inform Air Force security personnel of any divergence or unusual activity noticed.”

Air Commodore Yadav said that Pune Air Force base is the busiest joint user airfield in India with over 200 civil arrivals and departures every day. “The airfield services available at this Base are contemporary and upgraded regularly. The entire civil aviation complex is built on AF land. So far, the Air Force has transferred nearly 63 acres of land towards civil aviation infrastructure. Recently, AF leased additional land for creation of a third access road to the airport. Various roads in and around the airport are being redesigned, in liaison with Pune Municipal Corporation to enhance traffic flow and overcome civilians discomfort,” the officer said.