CISF Hi-Tech Weaponry

CISF forces armed with hi-tech weaponry

New Delhi, April 8

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has started using two high-precision weapons — MP5 rifle and Glock pistol — in “crowded areas” such as Delhi metro stations and major airports across India to improve its operational capabilities.

By using such weapons, the CISF aims at minimising collateral damage. The force is already using the two weapons in Naxal-affected areas and for VVIP security.

The Glock is a semi-automatic pistol produced by an Austrian weapons-company by the same name. The MP5 is a sub-machine gun developed by German arms manufacturing company Heckler & Koch and used by security forces all over the world.

The two weapons are also used by India’s elite counter-terror and anti-hijacking force — the National Security Guard. The Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) is also using these weapons.

A month ago, the CISF procured a new set of MP5 rifles and Glock pistols to replace older weapons — 9mm carbine and 9mm pistol.

Sources say the carbine is not very reliable with a number of innocent lives having been lost in accidental fire in the past.

“The carbine also has the problem of jamming. The MP5s don’t have any such a problem. They look smarter as well. Although, the 9mm pistol is a fine weapon, the Glocks are far more accurate,” says a source.

The MP5s and Glocks can be easily cleaned, unlike the carbines and the 9mm pistols that require particular cleaning oil.

The new weapons are also lighter. The Glock has a “safe action” mechanism consisting of three-way safety feature to prevent accidental fire.

“The MP5s and Glock pistols will increase our operational efficiency. Since these are high-precision weapons, we will use these in crowded areas,” the source adds.

The CISF came up in 1969 as a specially trained force for providing security to public sector undertakings. The force is currently deployed at 307 undertakings, including nuclear facilities, airports, seaports, power plants and private installations.

The CISF uses advanced weapons at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. Both airports have been categorised as “hyper-sensitive”.

The new guns will also be used at 59 other airports being guarded by the force. Delhi metro stations are also high-priority facilities for the CISF.

The Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) of the CISF located near the airports will be provided with these weapons. The QRTs are the first responders to any contingency such as counter-terror and anti-hijacking operations.

Lethal Firepower

    MP5 rifle is a sub-machine gun developed by German arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch; is light weight

    Glock is a semi-automatic pistol produced by an Austrian firm; has a three-way safety mechanism

    Both weapons will replace 9mm carbines and 9mm pistols currently being used by security forces