New Delhi, January 15, 2008 (DefenceIndia News Service)

With the clearance of some of the important logistic requirements for the Special Forces, the modernization of the elite units of Indian Army has come back on track.

"The modernisation of Special Forces of the Army has come back on track," Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor told reporters on the eve of 60th Army Day function being held on Tuesday.

Gen Kapoor said Government cleared the proposal for procurement of the requirement of the Special Forces which are tasked with being in the forefront of all offensive operations from within as well as from outside the country.

The process of modernization of the Indian Army's elite Special Forces was kicked off with the necessary equipment being identified and acquired.

The Army had identified 40 items as necessary for the purpose out of which 20 were extremely specialised and were available in the United States.

These were acquired through the Foreign Military Sales route.

The Indian Army presently has five battalions (nearly 5000 personnel) of Special Forces and was planning to raise the number to 10 by drawing out of from the Parachute Regiment.

ZEE NEWS