IAF To Equip Its Special Forces With Bullet Proof Jackets

Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to equip its special forces with bullet proof jackets that provides protection against 7.62 mm bullets fired from AK-47 and other assault rifles.

The Air Force is also seeking to buy new assault rifles for special forces for enhanced firepower, Mail Today reported Saturday.

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.

Till now, the IAF is using the bulky jackets which are not very effective against bullets fired from close ranges and are too heavy as they can hinder the movement of commandos during encounters with terrorists.

Officials said the Garuds had earlier also tried to procure jackets but the move did not yield any result as the jackets on offer were found to be wanting and could not meet the standards desired by the force.

The IAF has also plans of expanding 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.

Right after the Pathankot attack in January 2016, the Air Force had moved in a proposal to raise the fortification of its 54 air bases around the country.