The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a repeat order for 73,000 SIG716 rifles from Sig Sauer of the U.S..
Key points
- The Army has earlier procured and inducted 72,400 SIG-716 rifles from Sig Sauer of the U.S. through fast track procurement under a Rs 700 crore contract signed in February 2019.
- The Army has for long been looking to replace the indigenous INSAS (Indian National Small Arms System) rifles in use with a modern rifle.
- The Army has inducted 66,400 of the 72,400 SIG-716 assault rifles procured under a Rs 700-crore deal in February 2019 with Sig Sauer of the U.S..
- The SIG-716 weighing 3.82 kgs and has an effective range of 600m and is more capable and reliable than the INSAS in use.
- It employs the heavier caliber 7.62 mm ammunition compared to the 5.56mm of the INSAS.
