NSG seeks robots for surveillance
At a time when modernisation in Indian security forces is in high speed, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has sought to buy over a dozen bulletproof vehicles for both VVIP security and operations in Maoist and militancy affected areas, while the National Security Guards (NSG) plans to buy robots for surveillance.
The CRPF is in the process of framing qualitative requirements (QR) and specifications for special vehicles —medium bullet proof vehicles. However, based on the draft QR/Specifications prepared by a sub-group of experts of the Central paramilitary force and the Bureau of Police Research and Development, the security force has sought details from original equipment manufacturers for the bulletproof vehicles.
These vehicles are likely to be used to secure the VVIPs during their road journeys, especially when they are travelling outside Delhi.
While majority of the security forces use bulletproof and mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles, more bulletproof vehicles are being sought keeping in view the need to extend the VVIP safety. The CRPF is procuring these BP vehicles after a gap of about almost four years, increasing number of VVIPs — 42 at present - having necessitated such purchase. These vehicles were till now being largely used by CRPF for duties in Jammu and Kashmir.
The CRPF has recently been entrusted with the job of providing Z-plus security to BJP chief Amit Shah. The CRPF has upscaled its VVIP security unit by deploying about 1,000 personnel. A total of 4,000 commandos now constitute the VVIP security unit of the force.
The need to procure these special vehicles, sources said, was felt after a threat analysis study by the force showed that these VVIPs have to be secured through “extraordinary” measures like usage of BP vehicles, a salient feature in the secret bluebook of elite units rendering VVIP security.
With an increasing number of high-profile personalities coming under its security cover, the CRPF has decided to provide these VVIPs with bulletproof protection during their movements across the country.
The paramilitary force had in the past procured these vehicles from various Ordnance Factory Boards under the Defence Ministry. It plans to purchase the new ones not only from the government stable but the door has also been kept open for established private vendors.
The NSG that uses robots for detecting and defusing bombs is planning to buy rugged, military grade scout robot for surveillance.
These robots are capable of operating in all types of terrain, including marshy land, in all-weather environments including fog and smoke.
The NSG wants robots that are capable of manoeuvring through remote control and transmit video/audio during day/night and in all-weather conditions. These portable robots can be easily used by a single operator.