Soon, GPS wrist watches for special forces in J&K

The Indian Army is all set to equip its special forces with Global Positioning System (GPS) wrist watches to help them in operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir.

With the aim of giving special forces a technological edge over terrorists, Northern command headquarters had recently floated tenders for the purchase of high-tech multi-utility GPS wrist watches, defence sources said.

In the first phase, 120 such GPS watches would be procured and sealed bids -- both technical and commercial -- have been invited from the bidders in this regard.

Dozens of GPS devices have been recovered from infiltrating terrorists during encounters along the Line of Control (LoC) during the past year, they said.

"Terrorists are frequently using GPS devices for infiltration and reaching their guides along LoC. The watches are used by terrorists for navigation," the sources said.

The GPS wrist watches sourced by the army will have 20 channels all-in-view tracking with a large LCD and 80000 tracking points.

"The watches will gives forces an edge to identify terrain and plan their strategy for operations," the defence sources said.