Pune: The Lohegaon airport authorities recently procured night vision goggles to beef up security on the airport premises and keep an eye on trespassers. “The airport officials had been demanding these goggles for the last two years. In order to upgrade security, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) approved the proposal for 50 airports. In its initial stage, the goggles have been allotted to four airports — Pune, Juhu (Mumbai), Goa and Aurangabad,” an airport official said.
The Israeli-made infrared night goggles have 3x range (350 meters) and can be increased up to 5x (between 500 metre to 700 metre) with an additional lens. The device runs on two AA Alkaline batteries and can be attached to a helmet. Valued at Rs 5 lakh apiece, the AAI had purchased 57 goggles from Kwick Nxt Generation Technologies. “We have distributed these goggles to security guards for routine patrolling. It will help them keep trespassers and animals away, preventing them from wandering on to the runway,” the official said.
The airport also serves as an air force station and is one of the most sensitive airports in the country. “The goggles were not procured after the recent bomb blasts in the city. It was a much-awaited proposal. Apart from goggles, several hi-tech security devices will be installed at the airport, which we can’t disclose now,” a senior official said authority.
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