Security tightened at Vizhinjam; visitors banned; Air force and Navy monitoring Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The forces have intensified aerial surveillance in the capital of Kerala in the wake of the clashes at the border. The Air Force and the Coast Guard are conducting surveillance using Donnier aircraft, helicopters and drones. There are surveillance flights at night as well. The Navy's radar centre in Kochi is also monitoring the capital. Security has been tightened at the Vizhinjam port, and visitors have been banned. The police are conducting security checks.

Security has been beefed up at the Southern Air Command and the Pangod military base in Thiruvananthapuram. The Coast Guard is conducting surveillance using Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters equipped with surveillance radar and electro-optical equipment. The capital is on high alert because it has the country's pride, ISRO, VSSC, and Brahmos, among other defense and research institutions.

The Southern Air Command has set up an Aerosat radar system for air surveillance. The airport has a powerful radar. There is an Air Force radar system at Mookkunni Mala. The Southern Air Command is well equipped to prevent air attacks. Security has also been tightened at the Thiruvananthapuram airport. More CISF commandos and Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed. In addition to the radar system, a satellite-based Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) system has been installed at the Thiruvananthapuram airport.

Information on the speed and location of all aircraft flying over Kerala is available in Thiruvananthapuram. The Navy and the Coast Guard have started joint patrolling. The Centre had given permission for a Navy sub-station in Thiruvananthapuram in June. The sub-station will be located on a four-acre plot near the airport. A separate wharf for the Navy is also under consideration at the Vizhinjam port.

Air Force Well-equipped

• The Air Force is fully equipped to face any situation in the Indian Ocean region and repel any attack.
• Integrated Air Command and Control System, Su-30 squadron, and Combined Guided Weapons Firing
• The tactical operations of the Air Force are carried out from the Thiruvananthapuram airport. Fighter jets take off from here

Strength of Thiruvananthapuram

1. Southern Air Force Headquarters
2. Pangodu Army Station
3. Coast Guard at Vizhinjam
4. BSF at Muttathara
5. CSIF Unit