L'Aquila (Italy), July 9 - Ground security for the G8-G5 summit in this town and its surrounding areas has been put on top priority with the Italian government hosting 27 heads of states. Nearly 10,000 security personnel have been assigned around Coppito, the main venue of the summit.

But it is the security in the air that takes the cake. Seeing helicopters hovering over the venue and this town was normal on the first day of the three-day summit. The aerial shield for the venue includes F-16 fighter jets, Euro-fighters and attack helicopters. A NATO Awacs aircraft, invisibly high, watches over the venue too.

Pilotless Predator planes have been assigned to monitor sensitive areas. Batteries of Hawk missiles have been deployed for any eventuality.

At stake is the security of leaders who represent 90 percent of the world's economy.