Airborne Surveillance: Moored Balloons and Balloons

Dilrook Kannangara

Gory terrorists have done it again for the fourth time; flown in violation of our aerospace. First in March 2002 by Anton Balasingham and his crew, second on March 26 2007, third and fourth on 24 and 26 April 2007. Although none of their attacks was successful, it is a new menace to deal with. Frustration and desperation are the driving forces behind LTTE’s air wing. In doing so they have attracted more and deadlier air raids by the SLAF targeting their leaders. The LTTE is fighting a losing battle as only a legitimate air force can dominate the skies. However, considering the fear factor and potential destruction the flying terrorists can cause, it is essential that defence authorities take proactive measures to defend our aerospace by launching pre-emptive attacks on tiger air assets and devising an interception system. Relying mainly on 116 and radar systems is disastrous. Even if we succeed in fully destroying LTTE air assets located anywhere in Sri Lanka, it is impossible to avert a March 2002 style aerospace violation as it was a seaplane (no need to have airstrips) that was used then and it travelled across national boundaries.

It is a matter of time since suicide capabilities conjoin with air tigers to come up with Kamikaze style brigades. Another important consideration for the LTTE to further develop its air wing is to deliver its most lethal weapon – terror. If the citizenry, tourists, investors and armed forces are subjected to constant and sporadic moments of fear, it will diffuse the fighting spirit and give way to losers to run amok as in 2002-2005. Terror threats by air would not stop even if we exterminate all the terrorists within our jurisdiction; a crazy martyr can launch his ramshackle light plane from beyond our continental waters and strike anywhere at will. Taking a sea route is another feared possibility where anti-aircraft guns cannot be effective until the last moment; a Kamikaze attack couldn’t be stopped if a sea route is followed.

Hence, there is an urgent need for strengthening our air defence systems. Although ground based systems are effective, only an airborne system could be most effective. There are low cost airborne surveillance systems.

I fully recognise and appreciate the knowledge and skill of our defence authorities. It is my contention that this article will open up new possibilities in their search for a formidable air defence mechanism. Few years ago, there was this science exhibition (held overseas) displaying airborne surveillance systems for commercial enterprises. Most companies that visited this had a large geographical spread and had to overcome subversion, pilferage, trespassing and vandalism. Twenty-four hour patrols were inadequate and ineffective against such acts though it was essential in deterring them. Moored balloons were on display. These are helium-filled balloons fitted with remote controlled cameras with a range of few kilometres; they couldn’t fly as they are tied to the ground by cables. I’m sure their defence related cousins have a larger range. Images were transmitted onto TV screens monitored by security officers. There were also movement detection systems and the ability to take still images.

These were introduced as cheap surveillance systems (to be developed) for small and medium sized (in terms of revenue) companies and even advanced military devices in the same category should be well within our defence budget. Maintenance and repair is very easy and cheap. Although good weather is a pre-requisite for low end products to function, all-weather devices are surely out there.

Apart from economic reasons, Sri Lanka has many advantages in adopting these systems as part of our coordinated interception system of detecting oncoming enemy flying machines, etc. Other uses include monitoring sea movements/mobilisation of LTTE cadres, identifying commonly used routes and passages of terrorists, detection of impending attacks on camps and villages, monitoring civil disturbances, helping police and search operations, supporting ground forces with real-time information, safeguarding airports/seaports/infrastructure, curtailing illegal immigration/emigration, identifying active and dormant mortar positions and many more.

The main drawback is the flagging of our positions to the enemy. However, being a legitimate force, our positions are known to the terrorists anyway. We do not intend to hide from the terrorists by masking our geographical positions. Terrorists’ media (including those owned by LTTE worshipping politicians and their close relatives) had published satellite images of our camps including parts of the Pallali camp.

Moored balloons can be tied to heavy vehicles (instead of tying to the ground) providing mobility and will become very effective during military operations. There is credible evidence of their use in the 2003 Iraq invasion by the coalition forces.

Things can be bettered with flying balloons. They can carry human observers and long range guns in addition to cameras making it the way of the modern day sniper. With optimum altitude and safety devices, these can be used to evade SAMs and yet attack back enemy positions. Equip them with night vision capability and it’s a fairy tale thereafter! These can also provide invaluable information for the defence authorities and this will put them on top of everything, every time.

I urge the authorities to look into this phenomenon with interest; in my view, this is the silver bullet that can radically change the way defence endeavours are handled.

LankaWeb has a far reach and a few defence authorities do read it regularly; I also urge the readers to help bring this to the attention of higher authorities. We can’t let the terrorists threaten our aerospace, economy, travel plans and good health by going airborne; we should also go airborne to intimidate them enough.