CISF wants bulletproof jackets that can withstand AK47 bullets
The Central Industrial Security Force 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 CISF personnel 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 cited above.
“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 CISF D-G, said.
NEWDELHI: COLOMBIA