CISF SEEKS NEW JACKETS THAT CAN WITHSTAND AK47 BULLETS

NEWDELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has sought replacement of the bulletproof jackets worn by its personnel guarding the country’s airports as they are incapable of withstanding bullets fired from AK 47 assault rifles, the weapon of choice for terrorists, and gunshots fired at point blank range.

The force flagged the issue to the ministry of civil aviation last month, a senior CISF officer said on the condition of anonymity. It has around 1,000 bulletproof jackets and wants 1,500 new ones.

Bulletproof jackets used by Central Industrial Security Forcepersonnel were procured in 2011 and a gunshot, if fired from close range, is capable of piercing the jacket and hurting a person, said the senior officer.

“The guidelines of the home ministry say there should be a replacement every five years. The latest version can withstand several rounds of firing even from close range,” he said.

“Latest gadgets can help us in reducing the manpower also. Most of the airports are on high alert and sensitive and use of jackets is important in case of a terror attack,” the officer added.

“The value of bulletproof jacket is not judged by the age but whether the new version is available; the latest version will always have some advantage and as soon as it is available, it should be procured,” Arvind Ranjan, a former Central Industrial Security Force D-G, said.

“But procurement should not be done in one go as it will make the replacement costly.

The bulletproof jackets should not be procured for the entire force but as per the requirement,” he said.

The force has prepared a report where it has listed the requirement for aviation security in the next five years.

It has also demanded 19,000 personnel for aviation security and at least 4,000 are needed immediately for Metro airports. Typically, those patrolling the approach to the terminal and those who are part of the Quick Reaction Teams (QRTS) wear bulletproof jackets.