The United States (US) Special Forces and Canadian Special Forces have been permitted to employ dogs for remote monitoring and sending equipment across camps up until now, but operational units of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will soon be able to do the same. This will be accomplished by purchasing a K9 vision system and a canine remote deployment system (CRDS).
According to a document, K9 teams are being urgently requested by the operational units of the CRPF stationed in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and Jammu and Kashmir IED-prone regions. The CRPF is currently in the process of acquiring working line breeding stock of K9s and BSM puppies (Belgian Shepherd Malinois).
The CRPF has published Qualitative Requirements and Trial Directives for the Purchase of Both Systems. “CRDS is a K9 mounted article delivered remotely as an UNDERDOG” attached to the release mechanism. “The system is very effective in delivering a wide range of articles, i.e. breaching charges, bugging devices, portable jammers, lifesaving medicine, and technical gadgets inside the ‘Hot Zone’. The system proved to be extremely supportive in certain operational situations which are confronted quite often when human intervention is virtually impossible or not recommended in the face of extreme threat. CRDS is currently used by Special Forces units of the US and Canadian Special Forces in various operations,” read the document.
“The weight of the payload should be maxed out at 800 grams. The system should be provided with a rugged, heavy-duty cover or casing for protection against damage or fall,” it added.
The K9 Vision System, a canine vision system, is another device that the paramilitary force is testing for effectiveness. Special Forces all across the world use it.
To ensure the handler is in contact with K9, the system has a front and rear camera, night vision, a collar, a pouch, and radio integration. A high-quality radio and video broadcast necessitates real-time operation to the fullest extent possible.
According to the CRPF’s specifications, the system must include a wrist screen and a remote control with complete control over a minimum range of 450 metres.
Before the committee approves their purchase for the force, they will be shown the capabilities of both systems.
The sniffing power of dogs is the biggest advantage for CRPF personnel during anti-naxal operations and anti-terror operations in J&K. Every Battalion in Naxal areas has 14 dogs, and every time a team goes out on patrol, the dogs move ahead of the team to detect any ambush, explosives, or landmines. And the deployment of CRDS and K9 vision systems will give more power to patrolling units in these affected areas,” said a senior CRPF officer.
However, the CRPF has already stated that due to their sound sensitivity and sight sensitivity, they will only be purchasing and deploying Belgian Shepherd (BSM) breeds in the LWE and Jammu and Kashmir areas.
“BSM is the best police dog in the world. It is a tried and tested breed. Different organisations use different breeds as per their requirements. Some forces use Labrador and cocker spaniels as they are public-friendly dogs used for sniffing in metros, airports and other public places,” CRPF officer added.