Defense Ministry approves procurement of 73,000 assault rifles from US
In a major move towards infantry modernization, the Defense Ministry has cleared a long-pending proposal of the Indian Army to procure around 73,000 assault rifles from the US under fast track mode, official sources said today. Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved procurement of the Sig Sauer rifles which will be used by troops deployed along the nearly 3,600-km border with China. Here's more.
Officials said the rifles, being used by the US forces and several other European countries, are being bought under the fast track procurement procedure. "The contract is expected to be finalized within a week. The US firm will have to deliver the rifles within one year from the date of finalizing the deal," said an official involved in the negotiation of the deal.
Indian Army sources said the US-manufactured rifles will replace the INSAS rifles. The world's second largest standing army has been pressing for fast-tracking the procurement of various weapons systems considering the evolving security threats including along India's borders with Pakistan and China.
In October 2017, the Army began the process to acquire around 7 lakh rifles, 44,000 light machine guns (LMGs), and nearly 44,600 carbines. Around 18 months ago, the Army had rejected an assault rifle built by the state-run Rifle Factory, Ishapore, after the guns miserably failed the firing tests. Following it, the Army started scouting for rifles from the global market.
The procurement of assault rifles has witnessed significant delays due to a variety of reasons including the Army's failure to finalize the specifications for it. The Army needs around 7 lakh 7.62x51 mm assault guns to replace its INSAS rifles.
