October 20, 2014: The Indian Air Force is looking to purchase approximately 1500-1900 sub machine carbines for its Garud commando units. The IAF wants a modern light weight Sub Machine Carbine with "effective handling, high accuracy and simple maintenance". The length of the weapon needs to be less than 850 mm with or without accessories and weigh no more than 3.5 kg. The carbine's magazine needs to hold at least 15 rounds. The IAF has stipulated that it is looking for a 9mm carbine with an effective range of 100 metres and a firing rate of at least 700 rounds per minute. Accessories need to include day/night sights, silencer, tactical torch and laser pointer. Obviously, the weapon will need to be capable of operation in adverse weather, when immersed in water, when immersed in mud, in ice, snow, sand or dust. Needless to say, the IAF is looking to incrementally arm its commando units with better and better equipment, including ground vehicles, hand-launched micro UAVs, communication systems, thermal imagers etc. The IAF is also looking to procure over 4,000 bullet proof jackets for the Garud squads. Garud commandos were most recently seen in action during the airborne rescue effort in the Jammu & Kashmir flood disaster.