Border surveillance during night through unmanned aircraft and manned aircraft from Porbandar airport is restricted to a few occasions during night using ‘goose lamps’ from Porbandar.
There is an urgent need for recalibration in the aftermath of a recent alert to Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard about possible arrival of arms and ammunition along the Indian coastline. Surprisingly, approach lighting system was installed about two years ago at Porbandar airport, but rarely has night flying taken place at this Airport Authority of India (AAI) controlled aerodrome. The fact that the Indian Coast Guard has an air enclave and the Indian Navy an Unmanned Aerial Squadron at Porbandar airport since 2008 and 2011 respectively show how significant this North-West Region is from security point of view.
The Indian Coast Guard has been constantly requesting for night flying permission from AAI, but to no avail. When contacted, the AAI and DGCA officials had either refused to comment or feigned ignorance about the issue. However, in November, a central team was in Porbandar and had met Indian Navy officials to discuss the issue. The meeting was described as a ‘courtesy visit’ by the AAI and Indian Navy officials.
“The ability of UAS to loiter for prolonged periods of time has important operational advantages over manned aircraft. The longer flight times of UAS means that sustained coverage over a previously exposed area may improve border security. The range of UAS is a significant asset when compared to border agents on patrol or stationary surveillance equipment,” say Chad C Haddal and Jeremiah Gertler of the US in their report ‘Homeland Security: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Border Surveillance.’ However, from Porbandar, there has been a restricted flying of UAS and manned aircraft during night.
Source: Times of India