IAF may provide helicopters and air ambulance service for C'Wealth Games next year
IAF may provide helicopters and air ambulance service for C'Wealth Games next year
The Indian government is leaving no stone unturned to make next year's Commonwealth Games a security success.
Besides deploying special cameras and satellite-link binoculars in the air above the Games' venues, organisers are also planning to rope in the Indian Air Force (IAF) for special air-borne operations. Though there is no official confirmation from either the IAF or the Commonwealth Games association, but sources are not denying the involvement of the Force during the Games.
"It's too early to say whether the IAF will be used or not. We have not received any word from the Games' organisers but considering the kind of security that will be required during the event, the use of air power could be a possibility," said a Ministry of Defence (MoD) official, wishing anonymity.
Meanwhile, a Commonwealth Games official, wishing not to be quoted, said, "Security is going to be a huge concern during the event. We have used the services of Air Forces in other countries where the Games have been held."u00a0
Suggesting areas where air power could be used during the Games, MoD officials wishing anonymity said, "The Air Force could help in aerial recce and area sensitisation for the Games' venue and nearby areas. Even air ambulances could be used."
Interestingly, air ambulances have been deployed at Military World Games (WMG) several times to provide timely medical assistance to injured sportsmen. In the armed forces such arrangements are made by the Armed Forces Sports Control Board and sources said if the Commonwealth Games organisers request for the service, it will be forwarded to the Board. Regarding the kind of air power which could be used, sources hinted at Mi-17 and Mi-8 helicopters for surveillance. The copters could be fitted with special machinery for rescue operations as well.
"We could fit these helicopters with special winches in case they have to be used for any kind of rescue operation. If they have to be used as air ambulance, few additional facilities could be incorporated within the copter," said an MoD official, wishing anonymity.u00a0
The copters will fly with special trained medical assistance teams and they will be kept on standby during the entire event.
Commandoes neededMeanwhile, the deployment of armed commandos at the Games' venue is still a probability. "We have to be prepared for all situations. Recce and surveillance, air ambulance and rescue operations are among them. But at the same time we have to be ready for hostage rescue operations as well where IAF choppers could be used to induct commandos," said an MoD official.
Following ChinaDuring the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, the Chinese government created a special military bureau to secure the sporting venues and to avert any untoward incident. The military bureau, while taking care of airspace and sea routes, also chalked out security plans for the games.
