Seems like the government has finally taken up a wake-up call in response to the Pathankot terror attack last year. Learning lessons from the Pathankot airbase attack, it has decided on upgrading equipment of Garud Commandos of the IAF.
“The Indian Air Force has started moving towards providing better protection to its Special Forces against terrorist bullets in close quarter combat”, reports India Today.
The Air Force is also seeking to buy new assault rifles for special forces to enhance its firepower.
The Air Force is also planning to buy advanced bullet-proof jackets for its special forces which can provide protection against 7.62mm bullets fired from AK-47 and other assault rifles used by terrorists. Until now, the IAF is using the bulky and heavy jackets which can hinder the movement of commandos during encounters with terrorists. It also fails to provide protection from bullets fired from close range.
During the attack, an IAF commando Corporal Gursevak Singh had lost his life and Sqn Ldr Dwivedi was injured as they got hit by bullets. As part of the steps taken after the encounter, it was realised that the troops had to be provided better protection.
Earlier too, the Garuds tried to procure jackets but the move did not yield any result as the jackets could not meet the standards desired by the force.
The IAF further plans to expand the size of its Garud forces as they are getting experience in anti-Naxal duties and getting specialised training with foreign countries.
Around 1,000 more troops have been sought by the IAF from the government as it plans to provide better security to its air bases.
Currently, the Garud commandos use the Tavor assault rifles imported from Israel and will get more of them in near future as the case for its procurement is under process. Right after the Pathankot attack, the Air Force had moved in a proposal to raise the fortification of its 54 air bases around the country.
First Reported by India Today
