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In a controversial move, the Indian Army's infantry directorate has invited bids to replace its outdated INSAS rifles with those with interchangeable barrels. Opting for such a fancy weapon means that our soldiers will have to carry both barrels and also battle with two kinds of ammunition — an additional load of at least 10kg per soldier.
Surprisingly, just one European arms manufacturing firm will be able to meet the army's requirement. At present, the army seeks to procure 65, 768 such rifles, but the requirement could go up to 20 lakh rifles. DNA accessed the RFP (request for proposal) floated by the army headquarters a while ago for the acquisition of the rifles that will cost the Indian taxpayer about $250 million in the first phase.
The army's decision to opt for rifles with interchangeable barrels is seen as a regressive move by many in the South Block that houses the ministry of defence. Most rifles come with a single calibre, usually 7.62mm or a 5.56mm. However, most modern armies have moved to the 5.56mm calibre because it is light and allows a soldier to carry more ammunition. It is also believed that a lower calibre bullet ties down more enemy troops compared to the 7.62mm calibre rifles.
"Someone needs to get his head examined to propose such a thing," said a senior general who served with the elite special forces. "If it converted a rifle into a light machine gun, I can still understand, even though it is undesirable. But this is a crazy idea."
Further, of the 32 manufacturers who have been sent a RFP, only one European firm fits the bill perfectly, raising questions about the army's decision.
The RFP stipulates that the rifle must be able to change its calibre from 5.56 x 45mm to 7.62 x 39mm and vice-versa. The barrels, it says, should not be less than 16 inches in length for both the calibres.
The RPF further states that the weight of the weapon with an empty magazine should not exceed 3.6kg for either of the calibres. And in case the "visible aimer" and "holographic/reflex sights" are integrated, the combined weight should not be more than 400gm.
Sources said if the rifles are purchased, it would mean a load of at least 10kg more on every soldier, more maintenance to avoid performance and accuracy slump because of constant barrel and part change, and a lot more money. Subsequent phases will see all central and state police forces switching to the new rifle as a successful bidder will also be asked to transfer the technology to Indian ordinance factories.
The fancy assault rifles are meant to replace the locally designed and less superior 5.56mm INSAS rifles that were developed in 1987 and came into service around 1994-95. They were mainly used for counter-insurgency operations, but have been found to be inadequate and problematic with frequent jamming and a low rate of fire. Its design is also outdated with most modern armies in China, France and Britain having moved on to the "bull-pup" design.
A pre-bid meeting to clarify doubts of the arms manufacturers will be held on December 30. The technical offer will be opened on February 13, 2012.
DNA exclusive: Army’s rifle plan; 10kg burden on soldiers, $250mn on us - India - DNA
Surprisingly, just one European arms manufacturing firm will be able to meet the army's requirement. At present, the army seeks to procure 65, 768 such rifles, but the requirement could go up to 20 lakh rifles. DNA accessed the RFP (request for proposal) floated by the army headquarters a while ago for the acquisition of the rifles that will cost the Indian taxpayer about $250 million in the first phase.
The army's decision to opt for rifles with interchangeable barrels is seen as a regressive move by many in the South Block that houses the ministry of defence. Most rifles come with a single calibre, usually 7.62mm or a 5.56mm. However, most modern armies have moved to the 5.56mm calibre because it is light and allows a soldier to carry more ammunition. It is also believed that a lower calibre bullet ties down more enemy troops compared to the 7.62mm calibre rifles.
"Someone needs to get his head examined to propose such a thing," said a senior general who served with the elite special forces. "If it converted a rifle into a light machine gun, I can still understand, even though it is undesirable. But this is a crazy idea."
Further, of the 32 manufacturers who have been sent a RFP, only one European firm fits the bill perfectly, raising questions about the army's decision.
The RFP stipulates that the rifle must be able to change its calibre from 5.56 x 45mm to 7.62 x 39mm and vice-versa. The barrels, it says, should not be less than 16 inches in length for both the calibres.
The RPF further states that the weight of the weapon with an empty magazine should not exceed 3.6kg for either of the calibres. And in case the "visible aimer" and "holographic/reflex sights" are integrated, the combined weight should not be more than 400gm.
Sources said if the rifles are purchased, it would mean a load of at least 10kg more on every soldier, more maintenance to avoid performance and accuracy slump because of constant barrel and part change, and a lot more money. Subsequent phases will see all central and state police forces switching to the new rifle as a successful bidder will also be asked to transfer the technology to Indian ordinance factories.
The fancy assault rifles are meant to replace the locally designed and less superior 5.56mm INSAS rifles that were developed in 1987 and came into service around 1994-95. They were mainly used for counter-insurgency operations, but have been found to be inadequate and problematic with frequent jamming and a low rate of fire. Its design is also outdated with most modern armies in China, France and Britain having moved on to the "bull-pup" design.
A pre-bid meeting to clarify doubts of the arms manufacturers will be held on December 30. The technical offer will be opened on February 13, 2012.
DNA exclusive: Army’s rifle plan; 10kg burden on soldiers, $250mn on us - India - DNA
/technical term for terrorist) role use heavy caliber & for regular infantry role use lighter 5.56 mm ,this doesnt means all the soldiers would be carrying one additional barrel on the action . the same rifle 'll be used for all purpose by just replacing the barrel
