Belgian Malinois: Special Forces' top pick
Belgian Malinois are deemed the most intelligent canines due to their independence, problem-solving abilities, quick responsiveness, and adeptness at reading humans. A top pick by military and police units in the United States, Israel, and Europe, the Belgian Malinois is now set to replace Labradors in forthcoming National Security Guards (NSG) operations in India. Let us understand the canine's unique qualities.
Versatile roles
Recognized for its versatility, loyalty, and industrious nature by the American Kennel Club, the Belgian Malinois originated in Malines, Belgium, in the 1800s for herding sheep. Over time, their agility led to diverse roles, including guarding farms and families, and vital military operations. Highland Canine Training notes their initial deployment in World War 2 for tasks like border patrol, cart hauling, and message running.
Tactical operations
The Belgian Malinois is highly favored by police departments across the United States due to their exceptional sense of smell, bravery, and intelligence, making them ideal for military operations. Described by the American Kennel Club as a herding breed, they possess both the physical strength and cognitive acumen necessary for restraining potentially hazardous individuals. Their remarkable olfactory abilities make them perfect for tactical operations.
Assets for CRPF
India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was one of the pioneering forces to introduce the Belgian Malinois breed into its ranks. According to a CRPF officer quoted in the Times of India (TOI) last year, approximately 90% of the force's canine units consist of Belgian Malinois. These dogs are primarily utilized to detect explosives, conduct searches, and participate in patrols.
Cairo
The breed gained significant recognition during Operation Neptune Spear in 2011, when US Navy SEAL Team Six conducted a successful raid resulting in the death of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Named Cairo, the dog accompanied the SEALs. Similarly, in 2019, another Belgian Malinois played a vital role in pursuing ISIS leaderAbū Bakr al-Baghdadi during a US special forces raid in Syria.
Various operations
Israel utilized trained Belgian Malinois dogs to detect Hamas militants within underground tunnels in Gaza. Similarly, the breed have demonstrated their effectiveness in detecting explosives and drugs in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Mali, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, received the Dickin Medal, the highest bravery award for animals in Britain, for saving lives during an operation to secure a building in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Indian Army
Initially deployed by the Indian Army in 1999, dogs were phased out due to reported aggression. However, they were reintroduced in 2019, as stated by an Army spokesperson to TOI. The Belgian Malinois, chosen for its strength, stamina, trainability, and ability to function in various climates, emerged as a suitable breed for Military Working Dogs (MWDs), according to the spokesperson's statement.
Combat operations
According to the Indian Express, NSG's Labrador squad is slated to be replaced by Belgian Malinois. They have initiated training sessions for these dogs to detect, track, and engage in combat such as anti-terrorism operations, including hostage crises. Lieutenant Colonel RB Sharma, overseeing the NSG's K9 canine unit, mentioned that Labradors tend to tire easily and may become playful during operations, unlike the Malinois.
