CISF wants to get bulletproof jackets that can withstand AK 47 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, which has over 25,000 personnel and provides security to 60 of the 98 operational airports in India, flagged the issue to the ministry of civil aviation last month, a senior CISF officer said on the condition of anonymity. 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 Bureau for Civil Aviation Security, which frames guidelines related to aviation security, is in the process of changing the specifications for the jackets and will write to private airport operators and the state-run Airports Authority of India to purchase the latest version of the bullet-proof jackets.