NSG Favors Belgian-Malinois-Over Labradors
“Why the NSG is opting for Belgian Malinois over Labradors”
India’s elite counter-terrorism unit, the National Security Guard (NSG), is undergoing a significant transformation by phasing out its Labrador squad in favor of the highly agile and alert Belgian Malinois breed. According to reports from the Indian Express, the NSG has initiated the integration of Belgian Malinois dogs into its canine unit. This breed, renowned for its intelligence and sharp senses, is set to gradually replace Labradors, which were primarily used for sniffing and tracking operations, while German Shepherds were employed for attacking.
The Belgian Malinois, however, is being trained to perform all three tasks with excellence – sniffing, tracking, and attacking. This strategic transition aims to enhance the capabilities of India’s counter-terrorism operations, including hostage rescue scenarios. Training for the Belgian Malinois squad commenced in August 2023 under the supervision of Lieutenant Colonel R B Sharma, head of NSG’s K9 unit. With 14 Malinois already acquired, they now lead the dog squad, joining Labradors and cocker spaniels currently in service.
Lt Col Sharma highlighted the Malinois’ reputation as the preferred breed by elite forces globally, citing its involvement in high-profile operations such as the hunt for Osama Bin Laden by US forces. Compared to Labradors, Lt Col Sharma emphasized the Malinois’ superior alertness and professionalism. While Labradors excel in olfactory capabilities, Malinois demonstrate enhanced agility and readiness to ‘attack and paralyze’ threats.
Major Rishi, NSG’s chief dog trainer, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the Malinois’ adaptability and trainability. Notably, Malinois can even be trained to follow laser beams, enabling handlers to direct them towards specific targets from a distance, thereby minimizing risks to personnel. The transition from Labradors to Belgian Malinois signifies a strategic shift towards bolstering NSG’s operational effectiveness in combating terrorism, leveraging the strengths of this highly skilled and versatile canine breed.
