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82-599: It was formally created on 7 September 1963, with R. N. Kao as Director and Acting Group Captain Lal Singh Grewal (later, Vice Chief of Indian Air Force) as Operations Manager at Charbatia air base (code named Oak Tree 1). It was later moved to the Prime Minister's Secretariat, and in February 1965, along with Special Frontier Force and Special Service Bureau (now Sashastra Seema Bal ), was brought under

164-509: A U2 flight out of Aviation Research Centre (ARC)'s Charbatia Air Base in Orissa, but its return turned out to be something of a mishap. The Lockheed U-2 overshot the runway and got stuck in slushy ground caused by heavy rain in the monsoon . Getting it unstuck and out of India without being noticed by the Indian press, then even more subject to leftist influences and hence antagonistic to

246-403: A U2 flight out of Aviation Research Centre (ARC)'s Charbatia Air Base in Orissa, but its return turned out to be something of a mishap. The Lockheed U-2 overshot the runway and got stuck in slushy ground caused by heavy rain in the monsoon . Getting it unstuck and out of India without being noticed by the Indian press, then even more subject to leftist influences and hence antagonistic to

328-484: A Chief Inspector (Lieutenant Colonel rank). In January 2001, DGS was split and SSB and CIOA were shifted to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The post of Principal Director, DGS, was also moved alongside as Director General, SSB. Thereafter, the post of Director, ARC was upgraded as Special Secretary, ARC and Head of department, SFF, but he continued to report to DG (Security) (except in case of Arvind Saxena , who reported to

410-583: A battalion. At the helm of SFF is the Inspector General (SFF), an officer of Major General rank. The Special Group , or 4 Vikas, functions under a separate chain of command under the R&;AW. Historically, by the late 1960s, the SFF was organised into six battalions for administrative purposes. In the past, each battalion, consisting of six companies, was commanded by a Tibetan who had a rank equivalent to

492-414: A battalion. At the helm of SFF is the Inspector General (SFF), an officer of Major General rank. The Special Group , or 4 Vikas, functions under a separate chain of command under the R&AW. Historically, by the late 1960s, the SFF was organised into six battalions for administrative purposes. In the past, each battalion, consisting of six companies, was commanded by a Tibetan who had a rank equivalent to

574-577: A dedicated mountain and jungle warfare unit. The SFF's weapons were all provided by the US and consisted mainly of M-1, M-2 and M-3 sub-machine guns. Heavy weapons were not provided. The US government pulled out the CIA from the training program as relations with India soured in the early 1970s during the period of Cold War , with the Sino-Soviet split and Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China for improving

656-421: A dedicated mountain and jungle warfare unit. The SFF's weapons were all provided by the US and consisted mainly of M-1, M-2 and M-3 sub-machine guns. Heavy weapons were not provided. The US government pulled out the CIA from the training program as relations with India soured in the early 1970s during the period of Cold War , with the Sino-Soviet split and Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China for improving

738-514: A gas-powered device on an undisclosed mountain, supposedly in Chinese-controlled areas. However, by the following year, the US had the first generation of TRW reconnaissance satellites under Defense Support Program in place and did not have to rely on the old ELINT devices. During conflict with troops from PLA Western Theater Command Ground Force , Indian Army Northern Command initiated Operation Snow Leopard . SFF which formed

820-445: A gas-powered device on an undisclosed mountain, supposedly in Chinese-controlled areas. However, by the following year, the US had the first generation of TRW reconnaissance satellites under Defense Support Program in place and did not have to rely on the old ELINT devices. During conflict with troops from PLA Western Theater Command Ground Force , Indian Army Northern Command initiated Operation Snow Leopard . SFF which formed

902-483: A landmine blast while undertaking a reconnaissance mission along the line of actual control. On 26 January 2021, Tsering Norbu was awarded "Mention in dispatches" for his contribution and successful execution of Operation Snow Leopard. Special Frontier Force The Special Frontier Force ( SFF ) is a paramilitary Indian special forces unit composed primarily of Tibetan refugees and Gurkhas in India. It

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984-542: A large operation and flies a large and varied fleet that until recently included the high-flying Mach 3 capable Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 . The ARC began operations in 1962 with a Helio Twin Courier loaned from the USAF . ARC operated fixed-wing transport aircraft like Russian IL-76s and AN-32s . It also had General Dynamics Gulfstream III and Global 5000 jets. The helicopter inventory comprises Russian Mil Mi-17s and

1066-539: A lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army. A Tibetan major or captain commanded each company, which was the primary unit used in operations. After the 1980s, the practice of giving Indian Army commissions to Tibetans was discontinued. Ethnically, the unit is a mixture of Tibetans and Gurkhas from Nepal. The Tibetan troopers are recruited from the dwindling population of Tibetans in India, which stood at 85,000 in 2018. The flow of Tibetans joining SFF has slowed due to

1148-479: A lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army. A Tibetan major or captain commanded each company, which was the primary unit used in operations. After the 1980s, the practice of giving Indian Army commissions to Tibetans was discontinued. Ethnically, the unit is a mixture of Tibetans and Gurkhas from Nepal. The Tibetan troopers are recruited from the dwindling population of Tibetans in India, which stood at 85,000 in 2018. The flow of Tibetans joining SFF has slowed due to

1230-457: A mix of locally built Cheetahs (modified French Alouette IIs ) and Chetaks ( Alouette IIIs ). The MIG-25 (also christened as Foxbat by NATO ) was used for high altitude reconnaissance until being decommissioned in 2006. ARC was also believed to be the first department to induct the indigenously built 'Pilotless Target Aircraft' (PTA) Lakshya . Lakshya is equipped with advanced support system to help it perform tactful aerial exploration in

1312-763: A part of larger reforms, backed by NSA Ajit Doval , Aviation Research Centre (ARC) was proposed to be shut down in 2015 and ARC's assets were to be divided between the National Technical Research Organisation and the Indian Air Force . However, it was not carried out and the agency continues to exist. Previously, ARC was part of the Directorate General of Security, along with three other organisations, viz. , Special Service Bureau, Special Frontier Force and Chief Inspectorate of Armaments. Whereas R&AW

1394-588: A part of the modern Indian Army for as long as it has existed. During the time of the Great Game , the British Indian Army began to employ Tibetans as spies, intelligence agents, and even covert militia in North India and Tibet proper. At the time of Indian independence , the northern mountain-covered region of India remained the most isolated and strategically overlooked territory of

1476-401: A part of the modern Indian Army for as long as it has existed. During the time of the Great Game , the British Indian Army began to employ Tibetans as spies, intelligence agents, and even covert militia in North India and Tibet proper. At the time of Indian independence , the northern mountain-covered region of India remained the most isolated and strategically overlooked territory of

1558-553: A veteran STOL pilot), was to emplace a permanent ELINT device, a transceiver powered by a plutonium battery , that could detect and report data on future nuclear tests carried out by China. The plan to install a snooping device was devised far away in Washington, D.C. , in the offices of the National Geographic Society . Barry Bishop , a photographer with the magazine, interested General Curtis LeMay of

1640-415: A veteran STOL pilot), was to emplace a permanent ELINT device, a transceiver powered by a plutonium battery , that could detect and report data on future nuclear tests carried out by China. The plan to install a snooping device was devised far away in Washington, D.C. , in the offices of the National Geographic Society . Barry Bishop , a photographer with the magazine, interested General Curtis LeMay of

1722-634: Is a wing of the Cabinet Secretariat, with secretariat-style rank structure at Headquarters (Secretary, Special Secretary, Additional Secretary etc.), DGS was an attached office . Secretary, R&AW, held, ex-officio , the post of Director General of Security. Below him was the Principal Director, of Special DG or Special Secretary rank. SSB and ARC had their respective Directors (Additional DG or Additional Secretary rank), SFF had an Inspector General (Major General rank) and CIOA had

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1804-681: Is not part of the Indian Army but functions under their operational control with its own rank structure, charter and training infrastructure. It falls under the authority of the Directorate General on Security in the Cabinet Secretariat headed by an Inspector General (SFF) who is selected from the Major General rank of the Indian Army and who reports directly to the Prime Minister's Office . Tibetans have been

1886-427: Is not part of the Indian Army but functions under their operational control with its own rank structure, charter and training infrastructure. It falls under the authority of the Directorate General on Security in the Cabinet Secretariat headed by an Inspector General (SFF) who is selected from the Major General rank of the Indian Army and who reports directly to the Prime Minister's Office . Tibetans have been

1968-500: The NSA ). Subsequently, in 2021, ARC was removed as a separate organisation from the second schedule of the Right to Information Act and included with R&AW as its technical wing. Special Frontier Force The Special Frontier Force ( SFF ) is a paramilitary Indian special forces unit composed primarily of Tibetan refugees and Gurkhas in India. It was established after

2050-660: The Nanda Kot . This mission was successful but a couple of years later another problem cropped up: snow would pile up over the antenna and render it blind. So Kohli and a SFF team were sent once again to bring it down; this time they retrieved it successfully. In October 1967 the Chinese began testing an ICBM capable of reaching targets 6000 miles away. There was renewed urgency to find out more. So SFF mountaineers went off on one more mission in December 1969 to successfully place

2132-493: The Nanda Kot . This mission was successful but a couple of years later another problem cropped up: snow would pile up over the antenna and render it blind. So Kohli and a SFF team were sent once again to bring it down; this time they retrieved it successfully. In October 1967 the Chinese began testing an ICBM capable of reaching targets 6000 miles away. There was renewed urgency to find out more. So SFF mountaineers went off on one more mission in December 1969 to successfully place

2214-837: The Pakistani intrusion was detected, ARC was tasked to check if the Pakistanis had indeed crossed the Line of Control to the Indian side and violated the border agreement. A number of missions were flown by the ARC on request from the Indian Army and the PMO. Senior officials of the Indian armed forces including the Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Army staff highly commended the work done by ARC, quoting "The electronic and optical information provided by

2296-719: The Sino-Indian War and towards the end of 1962, after hectic lobbying by the IB Chief Bhola Nath Mullik and World War II veteran Biju Patnaik , the Jawaharlal Nehru government ordered the raising of an elite commando unit and specialised mountain division. The primary task of SFF is defence against the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force as well as conducting clandestine intelligence gathering and commando operations along

2378-456: The Sino-Indian War and towards the end of 1962, after hectic lobbying by the IB Chief Bhola Nath Mullik and World War II veteran Biju Patnaik , the Jawaharlal Nehru government ordered the raising of an elite commando unit and specialised mountain division. The primary task of SFF is defence against the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Ground Force as well as conducting clandestine intelligence gathering and commando operations along

2460-553: The Sino-Indian War of 1962 to primarily conduct covert operations behind the Chinese lines in case of another war with China. Later it increased in size and scope of operations. Throughout its history, SFF has fought in India's major external wars including the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Kargil War . It has also been involved in internal security, including Operation Blue Star and also serving as

2542-513: The United States Air Force in the idea. The actual efforts called for the placement of a permanent ELINT device powered by a nuclear SNAP 19C power pack fuel cell. The first attempt to place this device on Nanda Devi, by a Kohli-led SFF team under the cover of a mountaineering expedition, failed as the team had to retreat in the face of adverse conditions and left the device in a small unmarked mountain cave after having hauled

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2624-438: The United States Air Force in the idea. The actual efforts called for the placement of a permanent ELINT device powered by a nuclear SNAP 19C power pack fuel cell. The first attempt to place this device on Nanda Devi, by a Kohli-led SFF team under the cover of a mountaineering expedition, failed as the team had to retreat in the face of adverse conditions and left the device in a small unmarked mountain cave after having hauled

2706-772: The Uttar Pradesh - Haryana border; Dum Duma Air Base near Tinsukia in Assam ; Palam Air Base in Delhi ; and the Farkhor Air Base , the only Indian military airbase situated in a foreign country, at Farkhor / Ayni in Tajikistan . In 2018 the Duma Duma Air Base was identified as one of 15 disused airfields that could be transferred to other public agencies. At the time it was being looked after by

2788-635: The "Personal Force" of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to suppress opposition parties during the state of emergency from 1975 to 1977. It has been part of border operations against China, including the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes . Based in Chakrata , Uttarakhand, the force was put under the direct supervision of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and later the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's external intelligence agency , and

2870-455: The "Personal Force" of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to suppress opposition parties during the state of emergency from 1975 to 1977. It has been part of border operations against China, including the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes . Based in Chakrata , Uttarakhand, the force was put under the direct supervision of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and later the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's external intelligence agency , and

2952-708: The 22nd Mountain Regiment of the Royal Indian Artillery during World War II . Uban also went on to command a Long Range Desert Group Squadron (LRDS) in North Africa during the war. The SFF made its home base at Chakrata, a mountain town in the foothills of the Himalayas home to a large Tibetan refugee population. Starting with a force of 5,000 men, the SFF commenced six months of training in rock climbing and guerrilla warfare . Initial training

3034-461: The 22nd Mountain Regiment of the Royal Indian Artillery during World War II . Uban also went on to command a Long Range Desert Group Squadron (LRDS) in North Africa during the war. The SFF made its home base at Chakrata, a mountain town in the foothills of the Himalayas home to a large Tibetan refugee population. Starting with a force of 5,000 men, the SFF commenced six months of training in rock climbing and guerrilla warfare . Initial training

3116-644: The ARC before and during the actual operations was of immense value to the conduct of air strikes." Also the K. Subrahmanyam committee report into the Kargil war observed that "No intelligence failures had been attributed on account of functioning of RAW and ARC. However, certain equipment inadequacies were highlighted such as satellite imagery and UAVs". In 2012, the Naresh Chandra Committee on national security recommended merger of ARC with R&AW, in view of ARC's turf wars with NTRO and DIA . As

3198-508: The Chinese border. Chushi Gangdruk leaders were contacted for recruitment of Khampas into this new unit. The initial strength was 5000 men, mostly Khampas who were recruited at its new Mountain Training Facility at Chakrata , 100 km from the city of Dehradun . Initially known as Establishment 22 within the military and intelligence community due to its first Inspector General, Maj. Gen. Sujan Singh Uban , who commanded

3280-440: The Chinese border. Chushi Gangdruk leaders were contacted for recruitment of Khampas into this new unit. The initial strength was 5000 men, mostly Khampas who were recruited at its new Mountain Training Facility at Chakrata , 100 km from the city of Dehradun . Initially known as Establishment 22 within the military and intelligence community due to its first Inspector General, Maj. Gen. Sujan Singh Uban , who commanded

3362-580: The Defense Estate Organization. Aerial surveillance , SIGINT operations, photo reconnaissance flights (PHOTINT), monitoring of borders, imagery intelligence (IMINT) were the main functions of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC). The aircraft were fitted with state-of-the-art electronic surveillance equipment and long range cameras capable of taking pictures of targets from very high altitudes. ARC also took

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3444-416: The Directorate General of Security in the Cabinet Secretariat (this organisation was created in late 1964 with B. N. Mullick as DG, Security; the post was later shifted to the chief of R&AW upon its constitution in 1968). One of its most influential Directors was Prof H.B. Mohanti. ARC was initially a temporary and ad hoc organisation, but was made permanent in 1971. Over the years, ARC had grown into

3526-501: The Indian Army. To prove the SFF's worth, the Inspector General sent 120 men from the SFF on a field exercise, codenamed Garuda , with the Army. The exercise proved to be a dramatic success for the SFF and the Army was now less inclined to criticise the force. However the force faced other problems such as mass desertions by Tibetans. The Tibetan recruits found that smuggling was a much easier way of making money than risking their lives along

3608-450: The Indian Army. To prove the SFF's worth, the Inspector General sent 120 men from the SFF on a field exercise, codenamed Garuda , with the Army. The exercise proved to be a dramatic success for the SFF and the Army was now less inclined to criticise the force. However the force faced other problems such as mass desertions by Tibetans. The Tibetan recruits found that smuggling was a much easier way of making money than risking their lives along

3690-498: The US, was another clandestine operation. This gave all concerned quite a scare and it was decided to rely on other technical means. The CIA therefore decided to launch an electronic intelligence (ELINT) operation along with R&AW and to track China's nuclear tests and monitor its missile launches. The operation, in the garb of a mountaineering expedition to Nanda Devi , involved celebrated Indian climber M S Kohli who, along with operatives of SFF and CIA (most notably Jim Rhyne,

3772-498: The US, was another clandestine operation. This gave all concerned quite a scare and it was decided to rely on other technical means. The CIA therefore decided to launch an electronic intelligence (ELINT) operation along with R&AW and to track China's nuclear tests and monitor its missile launches. The operation, in the garb of a mountaineering expedition to Nanda Devi , involved celebrated Indian climber M S Kohli who, along with operatives of SFF and CIA (most notably Jim Rhyne,

3854-690: The United States . Although neither US nor Central Tibetan Administration has any influence on SFF. Most of the Tibetans recruited were also trained secretly in Okinawa in Kadena Air Base. The idea of raising a specialized force consisting of Tibetan refugees and Tibetan resistance fighters in India against the Chinese was first mooted by General K S Thimayya when he was leading the Indian Army between May 1957 and May 1961. During

3936-451: The United States . Although neither US nor Central Tibetan Administration has any influence on SFF. Most of the Tibetans recruited were also trained secretly in Okinawa in Kadena Air Base. The idea of raising a specialized force consisting of Tibetan refugees and Tibetan resistance fighters in India against the Chinese was first mooted by General K S Thimayya when he was leading the Indian Army between May 1957 and May 1961. During

4018-399: The battlefield, including target acquisition. The 6-foot-long (1.8 m) Lakshya is fitted with a digitally controlled engine that can be operated from the ground using a remote. Lakshya had been designed by Aeronautical Development Establishment , Bangalore . Lakshya is a surface/ship launched high subsonic reusable aerial target system, remotely piloted from ground. It provides training to

4100-525: The bilateral relationship. The unit conducted limited cross-border reconnaissance missions as well as highly classified joint operations with the CIA in 1965 on Mount Nanda Devi in the Himalayas. The SFF has a total of six battalions called 1 Vikas, 2 Vikas, 3 Vikas, 5 Vikas, 6 Vikas, and 7 Vikas. Each battalion has around 800 troopers. The six battalions are commanded by Indian Army officers of colonel rank. At least five other Indian Army officers are in

4182-468: The bilateral relationship. The unit conducted limited cross-border reconnaissance missions as well as highly classified joint operations with the CIA in 1965 on Mount Nanda Devi in the Himalayas. The SFF has a total of six battalions called 1 Vikas, 2 Vikas, 3 Vikas, 5 Vikas, 6 Vikas, and 7 Vikas. Each battalion has around 800 troopers. The six battalions are commanded by Indian Army officers of colonel rank. At least five other Indian Army officers are in

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4264-409: The border. In 1964, the SFF, led by the Inspector General, began its airborne training at Agra. The SFF then began its own airborne training program at Sarsawa Air Force Station . In 1967, Establishment 22 was expanded and renamed into Special Frontier Force . In 1968 with the help of Aviation Research Centre (ARC), SFF were provided with airlift facilities and became fully airborne-qualified with

4346-409: The border. In 1964, the SFF, led by the Inspector General, began its airborne training at Agra. The SFF then began its own airborne training program at Sarsawa Air Force Station . In 1967, Establishment 22 was expanded and renamed into Special Frontier Force . In 1968 with the help of Aviation Research Centre (ARC), SFF were provided with airlift facilities and became fully airborne-qualified with

4428-597: The core team, was reported to have conducted joint operation with Indian Army around Gurung Hill , Rezang La including the capture of heights in South Pangong Tso range. In another incident, an official statement by the Indian Army read: "Indian troops pre-empted this PLA activity on the southern bank of Pangong Tso , undertook measures to strengthen our positions and thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change facts on ground". During this operation, on 1 September 2020, company leader Nyima Tenzin died in

4510-529: The core team, was reported to have conducted joint operation with Indian Army around Gurung Hill , Rezang La including the capture of heights in South Pangong Tso range. In another incident, an official statement by the Indian Army read: "Indian troops pre-empted this PLA activity on the southern bank of Pangong Tso , undertook measures to strengthen our positions and thwart Chinese intentions to unilaterally change facts on ground". During this operation, on 1 September 2020, company leader Nyima Tenzin died in

4592-476: The declining population of Tibetans, leading to a more ethnically mixed unit. Gurkhas have been recruited to the SFF since 1965. Tibetans currently serve as soldiers and non-commissioned officers and were in the past given officer commissions. Women are also recruited for specialized operations as well as in signal and medical companies. The Special Frontier Force retains a military rank insignia system distinct from other Indian paramilitary organizations. SFF

4674-476: The declining population of Tibetans, leading to a more ethnically mixed unit. Gurkhas have been recruited to the SFF since 1965. Tibetans currently serve as soldiers and non-commissioned officers and were in the past given officer commissions. Women are also recruited for specialized operations as well as in signal and medical companies. The Special Frontier Force retains a military rank insignia system distinct from other Indian paramilitary organizations. SFF

4756-408: The device just short of the 25,645-foot peak. When another Kohli-led expedition returned the following year to recover the device, it was found to be missing. In the meantime the Chinese not only kept testing not only nuclear weapons but also ballistic missiles at regular intervals. The urgency to gather information was never greater. Another mission was launched in 1967 to place a similar device on

4838-408: The device just short of the 25,645-foot peak. When another Kohli-led expedition returned the following year to recover the device, it was found to be missing. In the meantime the Chinese not only kept testing not only nuclear weapons but also ballistic missiles at regular intervals. The urgency to gather information was never greater. Another mission was launched in 1967 to place a similar device on

4920-666: The first Dapon, the Tibetan equivalent of a Brigadier, in command of part of the SFF Task Force. With war imminent, SFF successfully executed several mission plans that included the destruction of the Kaptai Dam and other bridges of strategic value. The Inspector General also urged that the SFF be used to capture the second largest city, Chittagong , but the idea found no support among military planners in New Delhi since

5002-433: The first Dapon, the Tibetan equivalent of a Brigadier, in command of part of the SFF Task Force. With war imminent, SFF successfully executed several mission plans that included the destruction of the Kaptai Dam and other bridges of strategic value. The Inspector General also urged that the SFF be used to capture the second largest city, Chittagong , but the idea found no support among military planners in New Delhi since

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5084-639: The gun and missile crew and to air defence pilots for weapon engagement. As of 2024, ARC operates the Special Mission Aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force like Boeing 707 -337C Phalcon, Global 5000 and Gulfstream III . According to a report from Globalsecurity.org, R&AW Aviation Research Centre operated bases at Charbatia Air Base in Choudwar, Cuttack district (largest base); Sarsawa Air Base near Saharanpur on

5166-642: The night of 14 November 1971 in the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Brigadier Dhondup Gyatotsang during Operation Mountain Eagle was killed in a firefight with Special Service Group of the Pakistan Army . With the fall of Dhaka and Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi surrendering on 16 December 1971, SFF had lost 49 men and nearly 190 were wounded. The SFF later joined with Seaborne Expedition Task Force consisting of 2nd Artillery Brigade , 1st Battalion 3rd Gorkha Rifles , 11 Battalion Bihar Regiment that

5248-528: The night of 14 November 1971 in the forests of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Brigadier Dhondup Gyatotsang during Operation Mountain Eagle was killed in a firefight with Special Service Group of the Pakistan Army . With the fall of Dhaka and Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi surrendering on 16 December 1971, SFF had lost 49 men and nearly 190 were wounded. The SFF later joined with Seaborne Expedition Task Force consisting of 2nd Artillery Brigade , 1st Battalion 3rd Gorkha Rifles , 11 Battalion Bihar Regiment that

5330-519: The responsibility along with the IAF to transport Special Frontier Force (SFF) commandos from their trans-location at Sarsawa, 250 km north of New Delhi , though the SFF's own base is in Chakrata in Uttarakhand. The United States supplied surveillance equipment to Aviation Research Centre to spy on China's nuclear programme and naval assets from 1962. In 1999 during the Kargil War , after

5412-958: The subcontinent. During the 1950s, the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB) established Mustang Base in Mustang in Nepal, which trained Tibetans in guerilla warfare . The Mustang rebels brought the 14th Dalai Lama to India during the 1959 Tibetan Rebellion . Former CIA officer John Kennet Knaus who worked in Tibet credited IB Chief Bhola Nath Mullik for SFF formation. According to A Tom Grunfeld, Professor of History at State University of New York , 12,000 Tibetans were trained by United States Army Special Forces and partly funded by Federal government of

5494-627: The subcontinent. During the 1950s, the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB) established Mustang Base in Mustang in Nepal, which trained Tibetans in guerilla warfare . The Mustang rebels brought the 14th Dalai Lama to India during the 1959 Tibetan Rebellion . Former CIA officer John Kennet Knaus who worked in Tibet credited IB Chief Bhola Nath Mullik for SFF formation. According to A Tom Grunfeld, Professor of History at State University of New York , 12,000 Tibetans were trained by United States Army Special Forces and partly funded by Federal government of

5576-577: The unit had received letter of commendation from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee . In 2004/08/07, intelligence reports kept indicating that China was preparing to test a nuclear weapon at its Lop Nor nuclear installation in Xinjiang . On 16 October 1964 China did indeed test a nuclear weapon in Xinjiang. It was expected, but not enough details were known. Later in November 1964, the CIA launched

5658-410: The unit had received letter of commendation from Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee . In 2004/08/07, intelligence reports kept indicating that China was preparing to test a nuclear weapon at its Lop Nor nuclear installation in Xinjiang . On 16 October 1964 China did indeed test a nuclear weapon in Xinjiang. It was expected, but not enough details were known. Later in November 1964, the CIA launched

5740-579: The unit lacked artillery support and airlift capabilities to conduct a mission of such magnitude. After three weeks of border fighting, the SFF divided its six battalions into three columns and moved into East Pakistan on 3 December 1971. The Tibetans were given mortars and recoilless rifles and two Mil Mi-4 helicopters of the Indian Air Force , and captured several villages in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The air-operations were handled by Aviation Research Centre (ARC) at Balasore . On

5822-504: The unit lacked artillery support and airlift capabilities to conduct a mission of such magnitude. After three weeks of border fighting, the SFF divided its six battalions into three columns and moved into East Pakistan on 3 December 1971. The Tibetans were given mortars and recoilless rifles and two Mil Mi-4 helicopters of the Indian Air Force , and captured several villages in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The air-operations were handled by Aviation Research Centre (ARC) at Balasore . On

5904-576: Was able to block potential escape route for East Pakistani forces into Burma . They also halted members of Pakistan's 97th Independent Brigade and 2nd Commando Battalion at the Chittagong Hill Tracts. For their bravery and courage, 580 SFF Task Force members were awarded cash prizes by the Union Government of India . Their swift covert capabilities won the force the nickname Phantoms of Chittagong . SFF participated in Kargil War for which

5986-451: Was able to block potential escape route for East Pakistani forces into Burma . They also halted members of Pakistan's 97th Independent Brigade and 2nd Commando Battalion at the Chittagong Hill Tracts. For their bravery and courage, 580 SFF Task Force members were awarded cash prizes by the Union Government of India . Their swift covert capabilities won the force the nickname Phantoms of Chittagong . SFF participated in Kargil War for which

6068-814: Was conducted by the Intelligence Bureau Special Operations Unit. Both R&AW and the CIA helped in raising the force. During the same period, the Indian government also formed the Ladakh Scouts and the Nubra Guards paramilitary forces on similar lines. Many SFF members were also absorbed from the Gurkha Rifles. SFF was later incorporated into the Special Services Bureau . By late 1963, inter-service rivalry led to severe criticism by

6150-451: Was conducted by the Intelligence Bureau Special Operations Unit. Both R&AW and the CIA helped in raising the force. During the same period, the Indian government also formed the Ladakh Scouts and the Nubra Guards paramilitary forces on similar lines. Many SFF members were also absorbed from the Gurkha Rifles. SFF was later incorporated into the Special Services Bureau . By late 1963, inter-service rivalry led to severe criticism by

6232-522: Was deployed to conduct pre-emptive strike to support the Indian Army formations along the Chittagong Hill Tracts and to train the local underground unit called Mujib Bahini . With cross-border attacks becoming more frequent, SFF was ordered to attack the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Bangladeshi campaign was designated Operation Mountain Eagle , and SFF members were given Bulgarian AK-47s and US-made carbines . This operation saw

6314-448: Was deployed to conduct pre-emptive strike to support the Indian Army formations along the Chittagong Hill Tracts and to train the local underground unit called Mujib Bahini . With cross-border attacks becoming more frequent, SFF was ordered to attack the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The Bangladeshi campaign was designated Operation Mountain Eagle , and SFF members were given Bulgarian AK-47s and US-made carbines . This operation saw

6396-439: Was established after the Sino-Indian War of 1962 to primarily conduct covert operations behind the Chinese lines in case of another war with China. Later it increased in size and scope of operations. Throughout its history, SFF has fought in India's major external wars including the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Kargil War . It has also been involved in internal security, including Operation Blue Star and also serving as

6478-452: Was part of major combat operations during the Bangladesh Liberation War . In April 1971, Eastern Command initiated Operation Instruction 52 . SFF was tasked to conduct unconventional warfare , rally the people of East Pakistan in support of the liberation movement and damage the logistics capability of Pakistan Army . From late October to November 1971, elements of the force were sent to Mizoram . Around 3,000 members from SFF Task Force

6560-452: Was part of major combat operations during the Bangladesh Liberation War . In April 1971, Eastern Command initiated Operation Instruction 52 . SFF was tasked to conduct unconventional warfare , rally the people of East Pakistan in support of the liberation movement and damage the logistics capability of Pakistan Army . From late October to November 1971, elements of the force were sent to Mizoram . Around 3,000 members from SFF Task Force

6642-629: Was raised with covert operations in mind, mainly along the Indo-China border; however, SFF has been fielded by the R&AW and the Indian government in various covert and overt operation theatres. Deputy leader Tenzin Norbu was posthumously honored by 119 Infantry Battalion of Territorial Army from Assam Regiment and awarded a memento from the Government of India, signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his service at Siachen glacier. SFF

6724-459: Was raised with covert operations in mind, mainly along the Indo-China border; however, SFF has been fielded by the R&AW and the Indian government in various covert and overt operation theatres. Deputy leader Tenzin Norbu was posthumously honored by 119 Infantry Battalion of Territorial Army from Assam Regiment and awarded a memento from the Government of India, signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his service at Siachen glacier. SFF

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