Specialised Gear: Advanced Tools for Elite Operators

A cornerstone of this upgrade is the induction of cutting-edge military equipment that enhances the capabilities of India's special forces. Broadly, India has three special forces: MARCOS (Navy), Para SF (Army) and the Garud (Air Force). Forces have different mandates for highly specific missions: Para SF specialises in high-altitude, counter-insurgency, and surgical strikes; MARCOS are the most specialised force who are trained to perform missions, unconventional combat operations on all terrains, including the complex maritime operations; and Garud Commandos from the IAF cover airfield protection and counter-hijacking. These forces, renowned for their ability to execute daring operations, now have access to some of the most advanced and sophisticated military technology in the world.

One of the significant additions is the loitering munition systems, which provide precision targeting capabilities for high-risk missions. These systems allow operators to deploy munitions that stay in the air and loiter over a target area until the perfect moment to strike

One of the significant additions is the loitering munition systems, which provide precision targeting capabilities for high-risk missions. These systems allow operators to deploy munitions that stay in the air and loiter over a target area until the perfect moment to strike. In addition, the induction of new drones, including nano drones and surveillance copters, allows for real-time, high-resolution surveillance over distances of up to 10 kilometres. Equipped with FLIR (forward-looking infrared) payloads, these drones can operate effectively in all weather conditions, even during the night, enabling enhanced intelligence gathering.

The special forces have also been equipped with an array of high-tech weapons, such as Finnish Sako sniper rifles, American M4A1 carbines, Israeli TAR-21 Tavor assault rifles, Swedish Carl Gustaf rocket launchers, and Russian VSS suppressed sniper rifles. These weapons are specifically chosen to cater to different mission requirements, providing flexibility in both urban and wilderness operations.

The special forces have also been equipped with an array of high-tech weapons, such as Finnish Sako sniper rifles, American M4A1 carbines, Israeli TAR-21 Tavor assault rifles, Swedish Carl Gustaf rocket launchers, and Russian VSS suppressed sniper rifles

To further enhance their operational readiness, India's special forces are outfitted with advanced combat free-fall parachute systems and combat diving kits. These technologies ensure that personnel can be inserted into hostile environments either from air or water without detection, giving them a strategic advantage during covert missions.

For those with a maritime role, the MARCOS (Marine Commandos) are equipped with specialised equipment for tactical water operations. This includes midget submarines, underwater scooters, remotely-operated explosive disposal vehicles, and inflatable boats that are essential for maritime warfare and covert operations on water.

Advanced Training: A Gruelling Path to Elite Status

India's special forces are known for undergoing some of the most rigorous and demanding training regimes in the world. The rejection rates for these programmes are notoriously high, with up to 70-80 per cent of candidates failing to cut. These training programmes are designed to test physical, mental, and emotional endurance, ensuring that only the most capable individuals can become part of this elite force.

The creation of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) has played a crucial role in improving the jointness and synergy between the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy

The training involves a diverse range of missions, from surgical strikes—highly precise, high-risk operations that require a meticulous blend of stealth and speed—to strategic surveillance, laser-guided bombings, and covert intelligence gathering. Candidates are constantly pushed to their limits, with a strong emphasis on overcoming fatigue, stress, and fear in high-pressure environments.

In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of these training programmes, India's special forces now have access to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) mission planners, which offer realistic simulations of various combat situations. These advanced simulators provide a cost-effective means of training, allowing operators to practice without the need for real-world exercises, which can be costly and risky.

Synergy and Coordination: A Unified Special Operations Division

The creation of the Armed Forces Special Operations Division (AFSOD) has played a crucial role in improving the jointness and synergy between the three branches of India's military: the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Before the establishment of AFSOD, coordination during joint operations often posed a significant challenge. However, with the formation of this division, India's special forces now operate in a more synchronised and efficient manner during high-stakes operations.

The combination of specialised gear, advanced training, and improved inter-service coordination positions India's special forces as one of the most formidable forces in the world, ready to face the evolving threats of modern warfare

The joint command has also focused on addressing the coordinated joint intelligence wing rather than the prevailing separate wings. As often seen and reported in the world of highly specialised forces, like the US Navy's SEAL, British SAS, or Russian Alpha Group is about the one central command itself with capabilities/highest grade systems of all three domains- air, land, and sea. Their success model does point out such structure –jointness.

This jointness has been further enhanced by the introduction of software-defined radios and satellite communication systems, which ensure seamless communication between different units and forces during long-range missions. These advancements are vital in maintaining operational coordination, especially during covert missions in enemy territory where traditional communication networks may be compromised.

The Army's Vertical Wind Tunnel: A Leap in Free-Fall Training

To further enhance their free-fall skills, India's special forces now have access to the Army's first vertical wind tunnel, which has been operational at the Special Forces Training School in Himachal Pradesh. This facility simulates real-world conditions for combat free-fall training, enabling operators to practice jumps, manoeuvres, and emergency procedures in a controlled yet realistic environment. The wind tunnel provides a crucial tool for operators to hone their skills in high-intensity scenarios, preparing them for mission-critical operations where precise timing and execution are essential.

The Future of Covert Warfare

With these technological advancements and training enhancements, India's special forces are now more prepared than ever to tackle a wide range of covert warfare missions with unmatched precision and effectiveness. From counter-terrorism to strategic operations deep behind enemy lines, these elite operators will continue to play a vital role in protecting India's national security.

The combination of specialised gear, advanced training, and improved inter-service coordination positions India's special forces as one of the most formidable forces in the world, ready to face the evolving threats of modern warfare. The nation's investment in its special forces underscores its commitment to maintaining strategic superiority in an increasingly complex global security landscape.

 

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.