New breathable uniforms recommended for NSG commandos due to extreme heat

The National Security Guard (NSG) has recommended the creation of new breathable uniforms for its commandos deployed in VIP security. The famous black uniforms of these personnel, known as Black Cat commandos, will now be changed, primarily due to the increasing extreme heat. According to reports by Dainik Bhaskar and Aaj Tak, this decision was taken following a serious incident that occurred in April 2026.

This incident took place during the security of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. While Chief Minister Naidu was speaking with the press in Vijayawada, an NSG commando deployed in his security suddenly fainted and collapsed during duty. At that time, the temperature in Vijayawada was recorded at approximately 44 degrees. Videos of this incident went viral on social media, showing other security personnel having to help prevent the commando from falling.

Investigation revealed that at the time, the commando was wearing his black overall uniform and a bulletproof jacket weighing 6 kg over it. Additionally, he had a black beret (cap) on his head and small weapons hanging from his waist. Due to this heavy attire and extreme heat, the commando suffered a heatstroke and became a victim of severe exhaustion.

Commanders of the NSG's Close Protection Force (CPF) and experts at the NSG headquarters have taken this incident very seriously. Experts believe that the increasing heat and temperature are adversely affecting the physical condition of the personnel in VIP security teams. According to sources, the black overall uniform worn by commandos absorbs a great deal of heat. Furthermore, commandos carry black glasses and communication equipment during duty, which further increases their difficulties in the heat.

To solve this problem, the use of a breathable fabric called 'Nyco' has been recommended for the black uniforms of NSG VIP security commandos. According to a source quoted by PTI, Nyco fabric is a blend of nylon and cotton. The specialty of this fabric is that it allows air and moisture to escape easily, keeping the body cool and providing comfort to the wearer.

Security officials stated that CoBRA commandos of the CRPF also wear uniforms made of Nyco. CoBRA commandos are experts in jungle warfare and frequently have to work in bright sunlight and humid conditions. The NSG has completed the trials for the fabric for the new uniforms and the organization will now procure this material shortly.

The NSG hopes that commandos will start wearing the new uniforms before the announcement of assembly elections in the next five states. Elections are likely to be held in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, and Goa early next year. Many VIPs under NSG security will be involved during the campaign of these elections, making it necessary to change the uniforms in time.

Currently, the NSG force provides security to nine VIP individuals under the Z-plus category. This list includes Chandrababu Naidu, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, former Chief Minister Mayawati, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior BJP leader L.K. Advani, Union Minister for Shipping Sarbananda Sonowal, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and President of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party Ghulam Nabi Azad, and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah.

Two separate units are operational for NSG VIP security, known as '12' and '13 Special Ranger Group'. Both these groups work to provide security to high-risk personalities.

The National Security Guard (NSG) has primarily functioned in anti-terrorism operations, anti-hijacking actions, and providing VIP security.