The iconic black uniform taking a toll on NSG commandos? Why India's Black Cat commandos are switching to new type of uniform

The National Security Guard (NSG) is set to provide its Black Cat commandos with a new "breathable" uniform designed to reduce heat-related exhaustion while offering VIP security to some high-risk personalities.

The new uniform will be made of a breathable material called nyco, comprising nylon and cotton, which allows air and moisture vapour to pass through freely, keeping the person cool, sources in the security establishment told PTI.

The move comes after increasing hot weather and rising temperatures began taking a physical toll on the VIP security teams of the force.

The black overalls worn by the commandos absorb a lot of heat, and they have to wear an approximately 6-kg bulletproof vest over the uniform, apart from black sunglasses and communication equipment while on duty.

"It has therefore been decided to provide the commandos with better clothing for their uniforms. A breathable material named nyco, comprising nylon and cotton, has been recommended for the black uniforms of NSG VIP security commandos," a source told PTI.

Uniforms made of nyco are already worn by the CoBRA commandos of the CRPF, who specialise in jungle warfare operations, often under intense sunlight and humidity, a security officer involved in the process said.

Trials of the new clothing have been completed, and the NSG will be procuring the material soon.

The decision was prompted by an incident in April when a commando deployed in the close protection security of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu fainted.

It was almost 44 degrees Celsius that day in Vijayawada when the commando, wearing a bulletproof jacket over his black overall uniform, a black beret on his head and small arms holstered around his waist, suffered heatstroke and exhaustion.

Widely circulated videos of the incident showed Naidu speaking to the press when the commando flanking him fainted and had to be helped by other security personnel to prevent him from falling.

Commanders of the NSG Close Protection Force (CPF) and experts at NSG headquarters viewed the incident seriously and concluded that increasing temperatures were affecting the commandos' physical well-being.

When will the new uniform be introduced?

The NSG commandos are expected to don the new uniform by the time Assembly elections in five states are declared.

Polls in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa are expected early next year, with several NSG protectees likely to participate in election campaigns.

The NSG is a federal contingency force mandated to undertake counter-terrorist, counter-hijack and VIP security duties.

It has two units earmarked for VIP protection, named 12 and 13 Special Ranger Group, with commandos drawn from various central armed police forces.