India's premier research agency has confirmed it is working on "rat cyborgs" to help its security forces.
P. Shiva Prasad, director of the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Young Scientist Laboratory (DYSL-AT), said that this is the first time that Indian scientists are developing such cyborgs.
"Some foreign nations already have it [this technology]. It will help the armed forces in intelligence surveillance and recovery (ISR) operations. Phase 1 trials, in which the rat will be controlled through commands of the operator, are underway," Prasad told reporters.
Phase 2 trials reportedly involve wireless cameras attached to the rat's head, Prasad furthered.
Citing an example of how these rat cyborgs can be used, he said that in situations like the 26/11 terror attack, they could help intelligence services to search hotel rooms.
On November 26, 2011, ten heavily armed terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba* group entered Mumbai, targeting several locations across the city, including the Taj Hotel.
A total of 175 people, including 29 foreigners, died in Mumbai that day. Among the dead were 20 security personnel and nine attackers.
While speaking about remote-controlled robots, Prasad said that those engaged in such ISR operations have problems climbing walls and entering narrow spaces, however, rats can overcome such issues.
*Lashkar-e-Taiba is a terrorist organization banned in Russia and other states