Jolted by criticism post-26/11, the government has in a hurry sanctioned the long pending acquisition of three military transport aircraft exclusively for the NSG and movement of paramilitary forces.

Black Cats—popular nomenclature for the National Security Guard (NSG)—was created in 1986 after the disastrous experience of Operation Bluestar. Fulfilling the need for a dedicated, well-equipped and highly trained force to handle counter-terrorist and antihijack operations with finesse, minimising own casualties, the offensive action element of the NSG consists of crack troops drawn entirely from the Indian Army. Designated as the Special Action Group, this element constitutes 54 per cent of the organisation.

Headquartered in Delhi, the NSG can be summoned for operations to any part of the country and if need be in the neighbourhood. Trained to neutralise threats quickly, its success hinges on the capability of swift response, which implies speedy air transportation. The commandos carry bulky personal gear, heavy weapons, specialised equipment and light vehicles. Transportation by commandeered civil airliners, as sometimes suggested, is therefore not a practical option. Large military transport aircraft with tail loading facility is more suitable. Thus, the NSG requisitioned for a dedicated fleet of three aircraft a few years ago. At present, an IL-76, the largest and fastest military transport aircraft, is earmarked for the task. In case of non-availability of the aircraft, which is stationed in Delhi, the Indian Air Force (IAF) provides an IL-76. The contingent is expected to get airborne within two hours of receipt of orders. In the 26/11 episode, the flight to Mumbai, offloading and transportation to the scene of action would have taken at least three hours. Therefore, the earliest the NSG could have arrived on the scene was five hours after the word Go.