Jammu, Sept 18: Defence forces believe that terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir are in possession of shoulder-fired missiles that can target planes, a top Indian Air Force (IAF) official said here today. "There is a threat and a persistent one on this account," IAF's Air Officer Commanding-in-chief Western Air Command, Air Marshal A R Gandhi, said on reports about acquiring of these missiles by terrorists. He said although such missiles have not been used so far, IAF was taking all necessary precautions to ensure safety.

"We have evolved procedures and are using protective devices to ensure safety of our planes," Air Marshal Gandhi said. On the recent move to acquire hawk AJTs, he dispelled doubts over their efficacy and said, "We are getting what we asked for".

"Technology is constantly improving in the world and if necessary, technology of these AJTs can also be upgraded after induction," he said. Bureau Report