In the wake of the Pathankot attcak, a comprehensive security plan for air bases is being worked out.
Around 25 bases -- mostly in Western Air Command - have been put on high alert, sources told NDTV. This would mean that any person trying to enter a base illegally could be shot.
The alert comes more than a month after two groups of terrorists from Pakistan launched an attack on the Pathankot air base in Punjab. It took more than 72 hours to flush them out, seven securitymen were martyred in the operation.
Sources said now, more than 54 of the 295 Indian Air Force establishments -- across the Western , Eastern and Southern Air Bases -- will be provided what was called "smart security".
A comprehensive security plan for air bases is also being worked out.
There will be - protected not just by electricity that stuns and temporarily immobilises intruders - but also censors that pin-point the exact area of breach.
"Considering our bases are spread several acres, this would ensure we the point breach immediately," a senor IAF official said.
Following a security audit it has also been decided that the Air Force will induct more technology -- CCTV, thermal cameras, drones and motion censors. The security upgrade will cost between Rs. 100-150 crore per base. The total cost of securing air bases is expected to be between Rs 5000 and Rs 6000 crore.
Explaining why perimeter security had not been a priority before the Pathankot air base attack, the officer said the IAF had earlier asked for smart fencing for 12 bases.
"But since the cost is high, we had first looked at protecting our assets and strengthening the defences of the technical areas, we were had planned to strengthen the perimeter defence subsequently," the officer said.
The Indian Air Force has also asked the Centre to request state governments to remove encroachment from near air bases. "There are several bases defence land has been encroached upon, these pose a major threat to air bases," senior IAF officials told NDTV.
Besides, 12 more flights (units) of Garud commandos -- 70 commandos in each flight - are being raised to strengthen security at air bases. Garud commandos are deployed in all bases to thwart attacks. "Gaurd deployments will also increased," the officer said.