Mangalore: Karnataka’s coasts are set for a major security revamp with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) readying to raise its aviation unit – Coast Guard Aviation Enclave – utilising the old terminal of Mangalore Airport.
Senior ICG officers said the force, which, along with the coastal police has the responsibility of guarding our coasts, will boost its patrolling capabilities. “The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the required land. We are awaiting clearance to acquire the old terminal of Mangalore Airport to raise the unit,” an official said, adding land that is required around the airport and a few other parts of Mangalore has already been identified.
Initially, there will be one or two aircraft in both the fixed wing and rotary categories, the officer said, adding “eventually, we will build the strength and have a full-fledged aviation enclave here.”
Presently, ICG operates vessels capable of operating in deep sea in the coasts of Karnataka, but aerial patrolling will enhance the surveillance abilities of the force.
ICG has 10 operational squadrons under its aviation wing, spread across the country’s coasts with Daman Chennai and Mumbai, having both fixed wing and rotary aircraft operational.
06/07/13 Chethan Kumar/Deccan Herald
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Senior ICG officers said the force, which, along with the coastal police has the responsibility of guarding our coasts, will boost its patrolling capabilities. “The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the required land. We are awaiting clearance to acquire the old terminal of Mangalore Airport to raise the unit,” an official said, adding land that is required around the airport and a few other parts of Mangalore has already been identified.
Initially, there will be one or two aircraft in both the fixed wing and rotary categories, the officer said, adding “eventually, we will build the strength and have a full-fledged aviation enclave here.”
Presently, ICG operates vessels capable of operating in deep sea in the coasts of Karnataka, but aerial patrolling will enhance the surveillance abilities of the force.
ICG has 10 operational squadrons under its aviation wing, spread across the country’s coasts with Daman Chennai and Mumbai, having both fixed wing and rotary aircraft operational.
06/07/13 Chethan Kumar/Deccan Herald
