Last updated at 00:02 01 April 2008

Indian army chiefs are set to deploy a "curry bomb" to win the war on terror.







India's weapons development experts have developed an eye-watering spice bomb, packed with a potent mix of red chilli and pepper which will be used to smoke out militants during counter-insurgency operations.

As Britain's legion of Friday night Vindaloo casualties will testify, too much chilli can be debilitating.

But scientists from India's Defence Research and Development Organisation have discovered that the spices which make your curry so hot can also bring an enemy to his knees in seconds.

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Eye-watering: The spice bomb will be packed with a potent mix of red chilli and pepper

They have created an 81-mm grenade packed with red hot chilli, pepper and phosphorus to use in Kashmir where Islamic separatists linked with al Qaeda are fighting a long-running insurgency war.

Their enemy is often unseen, and can easily disappear in civilian crowds. India's curry bomb however will help its soldiers to immobilise enemy fighters, and allow them to be captured, without long-term injury.

The mix of spices and phosphorous chokes the enemy's respiratory tract, leaving targets barely able to breathe for a time. Their eyes, throat and skin burn and sting.

Army scientists have also discovered the "curry bomb" can be used to block enemy attacks by creating a smoke screen and preventing snipers from using night-vision devices and thermal imagers.

From being fired by a grenade launcher, it creates an effective smoke screen ninety metres away within five seconds.

The curry bomb will be used both as a hand grenade by police and armed forces, and as a tank-mounted device.

Experts from India's Defence Research and Development Organisation have already tested their new "grenade masala" in a series of "spice raids" close to the Line of Control which separates Indian and Pakistani forces in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.

"The field trials have been completed with success in several areas along the Line of Control. The grenades would be successful in forcing out militants from their hideouts."

India's weapons development establishment has developed a good reputation for innovation. They have developed a nuclear missile capability, and have become leaders in rocket and satellite launch technology.

Britain's Ministry of Defence has recently sealed a series of deals with their Indian counterparts under which British fighter jets will be manufactured in India.

It may be some time before western governments develop an appetite for the curry bomb.