India is modernizing its special forces with advanced military technology, including loiter munitions, nano drones, and high-tech communication systems, as part of an ongoing upgrade to bolster combat readiness.
Defence ministry officials have confirmed that this initiative aims to improve tactical efficiency and interoperability among the Army, Navy, and Air Force’s elite units.
Advancements In Training & Equipment
The modernization plan includes rigorous combat training with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) simulators, enhancing mission planning and operational preparedness.
The Army’s Special Forces, the Indian Air Force’s Garud commandos, and the Navy’s Marine Commandos (Marcos) are receiving specialized equipment tailored to their distinct operational needs.
Currently, India’s special forces comprise ten Para-Special Forces (SF) and five Para (Airborne) battalions in the Army, 27 flights with around 1,600 Garud commandos in the Air Force, and over 1,400 Marcos in the Navy.
Despite their extensive capabilities, experts have pointed to the absence of a full-fledged Special Operations Command as a critical gap.
While the establishment of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) has improved coordination, the military still needs to enhance integration to maximize joint operational effectiveness.
Technological Upgrades For Combat Readiness
The military has introduced new software-defined radios, including manpack variants and satellite communication systems, to ensure uninterrupted, long-range communication between the three forces during joint operations.
These upgrades enable seamless coordination for high-risk missions.
The induction of loiter munition systems has significantly enhanced the precision-targeting capabilities of the Para-SF units.
RPAVs, nano drones, surveillance copters, and lightweight drones equipped with FLIR technology now enhance advanced surveillance up to 10 km.
The military has introduced indigenous combat free-fall parachute systems to improve stealth operations behind enemy lines.
Additionally, it is procuring new integrated combat diving kits to strengthen the Marcos’ underwater mission capabilities.
Enhancing Independent Operations
Guided aerial delivery systems have been integrated to enable special forces to operate independently for extended durations behind enemy lines.
These systems ensure that troops receive essential supplies without compromising their positions.
India’s special forces already operate with a diverse arsenal of specialized weapons.
They use Finnish Sako long-range sniper rifles for precision shooting, American M4A1 carbines and Israeli TAR-21 Tavor assault rifles for versatility in combat, and Swedish Carl Gustaf lightweight rocket launchers for high-impact strikes.
Additionally, they rely on Russian VSS suppressed sniper rifles for stealth missions and Italian Beretta pistols with silencers for close-quarters engagements.
These weapons provide versatility in combat scenarios, ensuring the forces remain mission-ready at all times.
Expanding Training Infrastructure
To refine combat free-fall skills, the Army has established its first vertical wind tunnel at the Special Forces Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
This cutting-edge facility enhances training for high-altitude airborne operations, ensuring that personnel are well-prepared for demanding insertion missions.
Furthermore, India’s commitment to upgrading its special forces underscores its broader focus on strengthening national security and enhancing tactical capabilities.
By integrating next-generation technology, the armed forces remain highly adaptable and prepared to tackle evolving threats in modern warfare.
As a result of these advancements, India continues to maintain its operational superiority, further reinforcing its position as a formidable military force on the global stage.
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