Technology is power. This was proved without any ambiguity during the terror attacks in Mumbai. For almost 60 hours 10 terrorists stood off the might of the Indian state. Much has been said about their likely training; however, it needs to be understood that their attempt to create mayhem in Mumbai is a combination of covert state support, training, coordination, successful ‘inoculation’ of terror philosophy in the minds of these people, usage of asymmetric tactics and, most importantly, the proper handling of technology.

First, their sea journey — a complex endeavour in itself — was accurately navigated using state-of-the-art GPS (geographical positioning system) gadgets. They stayed in touch using satellite phones. They also used the GPS maps to chart entry and escape routes: a GPS map of South Mumbai was found in their possession.

Given how crucial it was to reach their targets in time, and without getting noticed, GPS proved very handy. Ironically, GPS was initially devised by the United States mainly for military requirements: a constellation of 24 or 28 satellites, which with the assistance of an earth-borne receiver unit, help to pinpoint one’s ground location accurately.

Today, these systems can easily be bought at any marine store for as little as $100. Modern units are available with a relative plotter. Such systems provide positional information, waypoint direction and also offer a map guidance page which provides positional information relative to known waypoints and plot them on the handset screen. Currently small boat users use systems which also have chart plotters which help in plotting one’s position and course superimposed over an electronic nautical chart. In all likelihood such a system could have been used to reach the Indian shores by these terrorists.

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