The Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force is in the process of inducting low-level radars for detecting helicopters flying at low altitude. Air Marshal F J Major, Air Officer Command-in-Chief of the EAC told reporters on Monday. He said it would take a couple of years to induct the equipment and make it operational in Shillong.
In the absence of a low-level radar, he said Bangladeshi helicopters, which had intruded into the Indian airspace in Tripura a few months ago, could not be detected immediately.
He said the IAF monitored the movements of all aeroplanes and flying machines very carefully. But the incidents of Bangladeshi helicopters intruding into Indian air space, as reported by the BSF authorities in Tripura, could be of some 'navigational error or because of weather problems'.
The IAF had high-level radars stationed atop a Shillong peak but it would require low ones, which were in the process of induction, he said. He ruled out upgradation of Aircraft Landing Ground under the EAC, terming it an 'expensive proposition' but said its upkeep was done regualrly.
The IAF was trying to cut down the cost of maintenance of its installations, he said.