NSG commandos to get new uniforms:Decision after soldier faints in 44°C heat; new outfit may be issued before elections in 5 states

The National Security Guard (NSG) has recommended a new breathable uniform for commandos deployed for VIP security. The famous black uniform of the Black Cat commandos is set to change because of the extreme heat. The uniform will be made of Nayco fabric, which contains nylon and cotton. The fabric allows air and moisture to escape easily. In April, a commando deployed for the security of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada fainted in temperatures of around 44°C. The decision was taken after this incident. The NSG expects commandos to start wearing the new uniform by the time assembly elections are announced in five states. Commando suffered heatstroke in Vijayawada NSG sources said the decision to introduce a new uniform was taken after an incident in April 2026. An NSG commando deployed for Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s security became unconscious and collapsed while on duty. The temperature in Vijayawada was around 44°C that day. The commando was wearing a six-kilogram bulletproof jacket over a black overall uniform. He was wearing a black beret and had small arms strapped to his waist. The commando suffered heatstroke and exhaustion. A video of the incident went viral on social media. Commanders of the NSG’s Close Protection Force and experts at its headquarters took the incident seriously. They acknowledged that the rising heat and temperatures were having a physical impact on VIP security teams. According to sources, the black coverall uniform absorbs a great deal of heat. In addition, the commandos carry black sunglasses and communication equipment. This adds to their discomfort in hot weather. Cobra commandos also wear uniforms made of NyCo NyCo is a fabric made of nylon and cotton. It allows air and moisture vapour to escape easily, keeping the body cool. CRPF’s Cobra Commandos also wear NyCo uniforms. Cobra Commandos specialise in combat operations in forests. They often have to work in intense sunlight and humid conditions. The fabric for the new uniform has already been tested. The NSG will purchase the material soon. NSG commandos are expected to start wearing their new uniforms by the time assembly elections are announced in five states. Several VIPs protected by the NSG will be involved in these election campaigns. NSG protects nine Z-plus VIPs The NSG currently protects nine VIPs in the Z-plus category. They include Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani and Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal are also on the list. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party president Ghulam Nabi Azad are also under NSG protection. National Conference president Farooq Abdullah is also among the nine VIPs protected by the NSG. ​