Safeguarding National Interests: Evaluating the Risks of Defence – Civilian Airport Proximity

This article examines the risks posed by the proximity of military facilities to civilian airports, particularly in the context of the Indian Air Force (IAF) as well as Indian Naval Air Station sites adjacent to commercial hubs. It highlights concerns regarding unauthorised access to sensitive information, infrastructure and potential terrorist threats. The article advocates for relocating civil installations away from military airports to bolster national security. Given the rapid expansion of both civilian and military aviation, the current joint-use model will become increasingly strained, leading to operational inefficiencies and heightened security risks. Implementing advanced monitoring, enhanced cybersecurity protocols, and stronger coordination between civilian and military authorities is essential in the short-term. However, relying solely on security enhancements within existing limitations offers only a partial solution, as the continued growth of air traffic will exacerbate congestion and security concerns.

A phased transition towards dedicated civilian and military airport infrastructure remains the most viable long-term approach to safeguarding national security while ensuring sustainable aviation growth. This article underscores the importance of balancing immediate security needs with long-term infrastructure planning to address the evolving challenges of the aviation sector. There is a need for stringent security measures, including enhanced monitoring and cybersecurity protocols, and cooperation between civilian and military authorities. This article also addresses technological vulnerabilities such as electronic eavesdropping and GPS spoofing, thereby urging the development of strategies to mitigate these risks.