Army to focus on modernisation

According to the official Ministry of Defence spokesman: ‘‘There is no question of going back on modernisation. The issue in question relates to an internal exercise to examine various proposals from different agencies to get the maximum advantage.’’

The current package was worked out when present Finance Minister Jaswant Singh was officiating as Defence Minister in the wake of the Tehelka scandal. Singh had brought along then Advisor (Security) Arun Singh for a presentation on the needs of special forces. Singh, it is understood, had asked headquarters to prepare a Cabinet note on the requirements.

Accordingly, said South Block sources, the modernisation plan was given priority over a proposed expansion of the commando battalions by Army Chief Gen N.C. Vij when he was the Vice Chief last year. Vij noted that a further proliferation of the special forces at this juncture would be a retrograde step. Instead, he preferred to modernise the existing units.

The modernisation package includes raising of an Army aviation wing with six light and six medium utility helicopters with night flying capability, new weapon systems like Israeli Tavor assault rifles, laser designators and other equipment used in covert missions.

While Western nations have expanded the ambit of their special forces after 9/11, the Indian commandos have apparently suffered due to ad hoc policies. This is reflected by the fact that many instructors at the special forces training wing at Nahan are not from commando units.