New Delhi, Nov 12 Defence Minister A. K. Antony on Thursday asked the Navy and the Coast Guard to plug any deficiencies found in the working of Coastal Security network.

Addressing a high-level meeting on Coastal Security in the national capital, Antony said that strengthening Coastal Security was a top priority of the Government.

He also underlined on an integrated approach put in place post-Mumbai terror attacks and called upon the top officials of the two forces to meet the procurement schedules of patrol vessels, interceptor boats, surveillance aircraft and radars to enhance coastal security.

The Defence Minister said that the Government has delegated financial powers to the Commander-in-Chiefs to hire boats for Coastal patrolling till the time the new deliveries take place.

He also asked the Coast Guard to expedite the recruitment of 3,000 personnel recently approved by the Government. (ANI)