With the Mumbai terror attacks sending a rude reminder to better equip security forces and raise their level of preparedness, the Government has fast-tracked purchase of Aerostat air-defence radars from Israel, fast-interception vessels for the Navy, high-end internet monitoring systems for major cities and an array of arms and equipment, ranging from machine guns with night vision to under barrel grenade launchers to remote detonating devices, for its commando units.

On March 17, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) cleared urgent acquisition of a variety of arms and equipment, the bulk of which will be used by the Ghatak commandos attached to every infantry battalion. While vendors who supplied identical equipment in the past are expecting repeat orders, the MoD is said to be looking at the US government’s FMS route (foreign military sales) to equip the commando units.

In the purchase list are several items which security experts said the NSG commandos lacked while battling the 26/11 terrorists. The MoD has given the go-ahead for general purpose machine guns (with night sight and ammunition), under barrel grenade launchers, 2,724 night sight, 6,908 reflex sight, 612 radio-controlled detonators, 372 remote detonating devices (including receivers, transmitters) and 93 guided parafoil air delivery systems.

Vendors contacted by The Indian Express said the Heckler and Koch MP5 submachine gun remains the favourite of forces like the SPG and NSG which are already using the weapon. Heckler and Koch entered into a joint venture with H K System India Pvt Ltd a year ago and one of its officials said “after NSG commandos demonstrated the capability of the MP5 during the Mumbai operations, we have received a spate of inquiries and given out umpteen quotations”.

... contd.