More spy drones to IAF for secret operations

By NewsGram Staff-Writer

New Delhi: With armed forces around the world getting more advanced and equipped, defence ministry has decided to provide more spy drones to Indian Air Force (IAF) for executing secret or private operations. Sources at ministry on Monday said that the recent Rs 27-crore deal for acquiring 65 UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for IAF's Garud Commando Force is just an initial step in the direction of strengthening country's defence wing.

Till now the armed forces have introduced more than 200 such drones. Most of which comes from Israel. One such drone named 'killer' is being used by IAF which detects and explodes like a cruise missile in to specific targets. Earlier also, the Indian Navy had requested construction of two midget submarines or "chariot" for its navy commandos. The Rs 2,017 crore deal has already got approval from defence authorities.

For now the government is indeed focusing more on sorting out basic structure for the proposed tri-service commandos in cyberspace, special operations and space troops, but they have not stopped the equipment and weaponry expansion in IAF. Although at a moderate speed in comparison to Army battalions, IAF's Garuds are equally being geared up for secret operations.

The new spy drones with a range of 5 km, will be mainly used to monitor movement around important airbases and during counter terrorism operations. These mini-drones are very lightweight and possess 30 minute of operational endurance.

Garuds in IAF itself carry significant importance for the Indian armed forces. They were first spotted in action while tackling terrorists on different IAF airbases like Awantipora, Srinagar and Guwahati. They are highly trained for rescue operations and combating enemy. They are well-equipped to thrash enemy's aircraft and radars while supporting friendly fighters.