IAF seeks new high-power sniper rifle for its Garud special forces

The Indian Air Force has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking a new high-power sniper rifle for its Garud Special Forces. The proposed weapon would be chambered for the 12.7x99mm (.50 BMG) round, offering significantly greater range and versatility compared to the current Galil sniper rifle used by the unit. The Galil has an effective range of approximately 800 metres, while the new rifle could extend that to nearly double, enabling the Garuds to engage targets at much longer distances. This enhanced capability would allow the unit to target lightly armoured vehicles, radar arrays, and other unarmoured equipment, fulfilling an anti-material role. The RFI outlines specific requirements for the new rifle, including the integration of advanced accessories such as a sound suppressor, a day telescopic sight, and a thermal imaging scope. These additions are intended to support the Garuds in conducting covert operations behind enemy lines and operating effectively in varied environmental conditions. Thermal imaging scopes, in particular, offer advantages over conventional night vision devices by detecting heat signatures even in low-light environments, such as during a moonless night or under heavy cloud cover. This functionality ensures operational effectiveness in challenging lighting scenarios. In addition to standard ammunition, the Air Force is requesting the rifle’s compatibility with several specialized rounds, including armour-piercing (AP), armour-piercing incendiary (API), armour-piercing incendiary tracer (APIT), armour-piercing explosive incendiary (APEI), and saboted light armour penetrator (SLAP) ammunition. These rounds would broaden the weapon’s utility, allowing it to perform tasks beyond traditional sniping. For instance, the high accuracy of such rifles enables Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to safely neutralize unexploded ordnance from a distance, thereby minimizing risks to personnel. The Garud Special Forces, established in 2004, were originally tasked with protecting Air Force bases from terrorist threats. Their responsibilities have since expanded to include counter-insurgency operations, combat search and rescue, and reconnaissance missions. As part of the Indian Air Force, the Garuds maintain a distinct identity, operating independently of the Army’s special forces units. Their evolving mission profile underscores the need for modernized and versatile weaponry to meet contemporary security challenges. Alongside the sniper rifle RFI, the Air Force has also launched a separate request for information regarding man-portable loitering munitions for its Garud Commandos. The system must be developed indigenously under the Make in India initiative, with specifications requiring a minimum range of 40 kilometres, an endurance of more than two hours, and dual warhead options. This would grant the Garuds an independent long-range precision strike capability, enhancing their strategic flexibility in both defensive and offensive operations. The procurement process reflects broader trends within the Indian military towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing. By prioritizing indigenous solutions, the Air Force aims to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and bolster domestic industry capabilities. The simultaneous pursuit of advanced sniper technology and loitering munitions highlights the growing emphasis on precision warfare and asymmetric threat response. As these initiatives progress, the Garud Special Forces are poised to become even more formidable in addressing complex security scenarios.