New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) has sought security for its helicopters performing poll duty in Maoist-infested states following naxal attack on one of its choppers in Chhattisgarh on Saturday.

"Our helicopter was totally exposed to the naxal gun-fire in the Bijapur incident. All aircraft, including helicopters are vulnerable to be targetted from when they approach for landing or take off.

"So, we have asked for security from either state police forces or central paramilitary forces at helipads," a senior IAF officer told PTI here today.

IAF was more concerned about its helicopters security, as the central or state intelligence agencies were not giving much inputs regarding possibilities of such attacks.

But, after the Bijapur incident, the IAF feels its choppers were under threat from militants, particularly at the helipads.

"There are not much of inputs coming from the intelligence agencies, but we know such threats exist, more so after Saturday s incident," the officer stated.

"Whenever we fly over vulnerable areas, we make sure that we are out of the range of terrorists weapons and that we are flying clear of the areas under their influence. We take most precautions that are part of standard operating procedures," the officer said.

Source : PTI