LTTE PLAYING WITH 'TOY PLANES'!

By Dr. Tilak S. Fernando

The two recent attempted aerial attacks by the LTTE, with ' locally assembled Zlin Z142 propeller driven Chech design planes have brought much apprehension in and around the country, while the Terrorists are making a peace meal, through their web sites and boast about their superior air power, after dropping one or two crude bombs and returning to base unscathed on last Saturday ( 28th April)

If the reports published in a Sri Lankan news media, which has been quoted in the Hindustan Times on 30 April, referring to comments made by two Defence Experts, as " SLAF lacks night operational capability" and SLAF aircraft did take off to intercept the intruders, but they could not spot them because it was too dark" are true, then it will unease the public.

What made matters worse was the mention in the news report that " as far back as 2002 a team of the US Pacific Command had advised the SLAF to equip with Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) among other suitable equipment capable of defending the skies at night". The report added that, 'no such action has been taken so far on such advice' !

Two frightening encounters, in a matter of days, are adequate to wake up for the Defence Authorities to get grips with the impending dangerous situation now prevails on our skies. It has come to a stage that we cannot be contented with only having installed an effective air defence system but we need to focus the issue based on facts, and our ability to intercept low flying 'toy' planes undetected by sophisticated Radar systems.

Without having proper equipment to deal with the enemy and just firing laser bullets in the dark at all directions may not bring any worthwhile results. People in Colombo city limits experienced the trauma of such 'shots in the dark' when laser bullets fired hit and injured civilians and their property instead of the enemy planes.

In some circles within the Forces had been a rumour that the news about the approaching two light aircrafts was transmitted to the Air Force quite in advance through Katunayake Air Control. It was also suggested by some if only an SLAF fighter helicopter were to be airborne when informed well in advance, the enemy could have been engaged and destroyed easily ! Many civilians have come out with statements that they had seen the light aircraft moving away and even soldier at ground level could have taken an aim at them with an ordinary guarding riffle. Well, then danger here is how can an ordinary soldier shoot down a plane without proper instructions to shoot? Will not the poor soldier be concerned with his job rather than national security in such a scenario ?

As much as the community cooperates and supports 1000% on requests made by the Ministry of Defence it will now become the onus of the SLAF completely to bear the full responsibility of this impending predicament and be vigilant to eradicate the latest Terrorists menace playing with ' toys' against our superior air power . Time has come for the SLAF to prove themselves rather than coming out with statements that all defence systems are in place and ready to face the enemy. Clearly they have failed hopelessly on two specific occasions right in the middle of the Colombo city limits.

30 April 2007