Abingdonboy
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Special commandos and tactics teams: India's G.I. Joes were out on Rajpath and rooftops during Republic Day celebrations
By HAKEEM IRFAN
Trained to tackle hostage situations, the SWAT team are deployed during VIP movements and at key government functions
Meet India's terror busters - commandos from the Special Protection Group (SPG), the National Security Guard (NSG) and the Delhi Police, including SWAT or Special Weapons and Tactics team.
SWAT TEAM, DELHI POLICE
The SWAT team is the Delhi Police's 'NSG', specialising in assault roles.
The force, comprising around 100 commandos, was formed during the Commonwealth Games in 2010 to shoot down suspicious 'flying objects'.
Trained to tackle hostage situations, these men are deployed during VIP movements and at key government function.
1. MP5: A 9mm submachine gun of German design manufactured by Heckler and Koch.
One of the most widely used submachine guns in the world, the 3kg assault rifle fires around 800 rounds per minute and has an effective range of 200m.
2. Bulletproof (i don't think so!) knee and elbow pads: Protects the knees and elbows from injuries.
3. Headgear: Same as the one used by Black Cat commandos. It's fire-resistant and helps to conceal the identity of the commando. Price: Rs 350 to Rs 600.
4. Glock 17 pistol: Referred to by the manufacturer as Glock 'safe action' pistol, it is a semi-automatic weapon.
The 9x19mm weapon is light, extremely reliable and easy to use.
5. Advanced audio communication set: Keeps communication lines open during operations.
NATIONAL SECURITY GUARD (NSG)
It's an offensive force, specialising in anti-terror operations and giving protection to VIPs. The Black Cats played a major role during the 26/11 anti-terror operations.
1. Headgear: Fire-resistant balaclava also helps conceal the identity of the officer during anti-terror operations. The name 'Black Cat' comes from their black nomex coveralls and balaclavas. The balaclava comes for Rs 350 to Rs 600.
2. Light-weight bulletproof vest:*High grade, level-3 Kevlar bulletproof vest. It can withstand a 7.62- caliber bullet fired from 10m from an AK-47. The 2.2kg vest costs Rs 35,000 to Rs 2 lakh apiece.
The NSG are anti-terror operations and give protection to VIPs
3. Binoculars: Equipped with night vision devices and are mainly used for surveillance. The range of the binocular is at least 1km.
4. Utility commando dagger: Manufactured in the USA, it is very effective in close combats. Price: Rs 800 to Rs 1,600.
5. Glock 17 pistol: The 9x19mm, low-weight pistol, with above-average magazine capacity of 17 cartridges, is used for its reliability. It is safe, easy and quick to use
6. Advanced audio communication set: Same as the one used by the SPG. Wireless headset and receiver allows the commando to talk to other unit members during operations, while his hands are free to work the weapon.
SPECIAL PROTECTION GROUP
These elite commandos protect the PM, former PM and their immediate families. It's a defensive force as the commandos' primary task is to protect the VIP.
They are experts in Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defence technique extremely effective in hand-to-hand counter- combats.
These elite commandos protect the PM, former PM and their immediate families
TACTICAL EYEWEAR: Ballistic shield protects eyes from splinters and other foreign objects Price: Rs 19,000.
LIGHT-WEIGHT BULLETPROOF JACKET: High grade, level-3 Kevlar bulletproof vest. It can withstand a 7.62- caliber bullet fired from 10m from an AK-47. The 2.2kg vest costs Rs 35,000 to Rs 2 lakh apiece.
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'HERSTAL F-2000 ASSAULT RIFLE:
A 5.56x45mmNATO caliber, Belgium-made rifle. The 3.5kg rifle fires 850 rounds per minute and has an effective range of 500m. Bullpup design places the magazine behind the trigger, making it easier to manoeuvre and reload. Price: Rs 1.25 lakh.
The Delhi Police imparts commando training to select personnel, who are assigned specialised roles
FN FIVE-SEVEN PISTOL: The 610gm semi-automatic pistol, with an effective range of 50m, is of Belgian make.
Fires 5.7mm caliber bullets, thus the name. The pistol is currently in service with military and police forces in more than 40 countries. Price: Rs 50,000.
BULLETPROOF KNEE AND ELBOW PADS: Protects the knees and elbows from injuries.
TACTICAL BOOTS: Non-skid combat boots costing around `4,000 are effective both in ground battles and climbing high walls.
DELHI POLICE COMMANDOS
The Delhi Police imparts commando training to select personnel, who are assigned specialised roles such as guarding the route during R-Day celebrations and anti-sabotage checks, among others
1. AK-47 AKM rifle: The 7.62x39mm, 3.1kg rifle fires 600 rounds per minute and has an effective range of 400m. The price of the rifle varies in different countries
2. Heavy bulletproof vest: The traditional vest has been modified for protection of the neck and abdomen
3. Magazine pouch: To carry extra ammunition.
Check the link for the pics.
Republic Day 2012 celebrations: India's GI Joes were out on Rajpath and rooftops | Mail Online
A pretty good article, some pretty glaring mistakes (Delhi SWAT for shooting down flying objects being one pretty obvious one) but a good read all the same. Good to see more exposure given to these unsung heros.
+ I didn't realise Delhi SWAT and Delhi commandos were two separate branches- good to know.
