Force One to get MP5 guns

In a first in Asia, Force One, the special force being set up by the state to combat terror, will soon be equipped with high-end weapons like MP5 sub-machine guns. They will also be provided with the latest gadgets and get intensive training.

The revamping of the police armoury is a part of the Rs126cr modernisation process announced by the state after 26/11. Currently, the National Security Guards, Marcos and the Indian Army use these machine guns which are very handy and compact in size, light in weight and don’t have to be re-loaded.

“We will procure adequate weapons and provide intensive training to our force,” said Subhash Avate, additional director general (planning). The machine guns are expected to be bought by March, he added.

The force, a part of the state police, will get the same training that commandos do. Personnel will be handpicked from the existing wings.

The Mumbai police will also get upgraded weapons. The lower rung of the police force will be given .762 single loading rifles and will be put through rigorous training.