DRDO Multical Rifle Unveiled

[ALBY]

Is this the 7.62 AK variant? Mag seems to have the same shape

AK mags are bit curved than this .Most probably 30 round mag of 5.56 .
Did any one know whether this weapon could use AK mags?

 

[abingdonboy]

Army will not buy anything Indigenous ..... Corrupt Supper Corupt DG acquisitions..Some token here and there to save their Face and say we help in nation building

If we are serious about indigeniztion, we should ban import of foreign weapons. It'll save money, and improve our domestic industry.

This thing is in it's prototype phase, and IA is already about to starts trials of fit and finished multi cal rifles........

Dont know what's going to happen to this thing...

This could be disaster for India's small arms industry/R&D.

I suspect many of them are corrupt, and many of them are just dim witted. they don't see the importance of making weapons locally. this import spree would continue as long as they have an option to buy from foreign countries. I would say we should put a ban, or at least put a cap and tell our defence ministry they can't import anything more than (say) 50% from outside. this would cover areas were Indian industries are really behind, such as fighter jets. Other half has to be procured locally. this would cover all areas where we have a decent presence such as small arms, trucks, tanks, IFVs, artillery, missiles etc.

Otherwise indigenization would just remain a dream. we have waited very long, only now we have built up capacity to build quality equipments, still our military leaders insist on buying from outside, ya to daal me kuch kala hai, ya unka dimaag bohot chota hai.

Yeah all are not like kunal sir, who has waited for one hour to get info on rifle.

that is disappointing.......

Btw non from Indian army were looking at new rifle i saw then at foreign stalls only.

Defexpo 2014: Indian Army poised to conduct assault rifle trials

The Indian Army is expected to begin long-delayed trials involving four competing multi-calibre 5.56 x 45 mm assault rifles in May in support of its requirement for 66,000 rifles, estimated to cost about USD300 million.
The competing rifles - fielded by the Czech Republic's Czeca (CZ 807A Bren model), Italy's Beretta (ARX-160), Israel's IWI (ACE 1), and US firm Colt (Colt Combat Rifle or Advanced Colt) - will over several months conduct firing-trials at several locations in diverse climatic conditions. These include the western Rajasthan desert, high-altitude locations in the Himalayas, and high humidity areas: all places where the assault rifles are likely to be employed, Beretta's general manager, Carlo Ferlito, told IHS Janes at the Defexpo 2014 exhibition in New Delhi.

Defexpo 2014: Indian Army poised to conduct assault rifle trials - IHS Jane's 360


At this rate, ARDE might have to sell the design to private or public companies, cause they're about to start trials.

Guys calm down!


One thing that needs to be made clear is the MCIWS and foreign multi-cal buy are 2 SEPARATE procurements. The foreign multi-cal rifle buy is only for around 66-100,000 units-not the ENTIRE IA. The foreign multi-cal rifle buy is seen as an urgent requirement and should be in service by 2015. The foreign multi-cal rifles are for certain select units (not SFs though) such as para brigades and RR (the later being especially important in the light of ISAF draw-down in Afghanistan).

The MCIWS IS the next generation standard rifle for the Indian Military- FACT. It WON'T be going head to head with any foreign multi-cal designs (just like the INSAS didn't) and is being developed for the F-INSAS program but will only be inservice by late 2016/2017 at the earliest.


The foreign multi-cal purchase WON'T kill the MCIWS nor will the MCIWS kill the foreign multi-cal rifle purchase.


It is quite normal for certain specialist units (pathfinders, airborne infantry etc) to have different ARs to their counterparts in the general infantry in modern day armies (look at the UK and the French armies).

 

[pmaitra]

I also think that INSAS will continue to be manufactured, because, it is cheaper to make (with stamped steel parts), compared to MCIWS, which is more expensive (more complicated and more milled parts).

 

[sayareakd]

Guys calm down!


One thing that needs to be made clear is the MCIWS and foreign multi-cal buy are 2 SEPARATE procurements. The foreign multi-cal rifle buy is only for around 66-100,000 units-not the ENTIRE IA. The foreign multi-cal rifle buy is seen as an urgent requirement and should be in service by 2015. The foreign multi-cal rifles are for certain select units (not SFs though) such as para brigades and RR (the later being especially important in the light of ISAF draw-down in Afghanistan).

The MCIWS IS the next generation standard rifle for the Indian Military- FACT. It WON'T be going head to head with any foreign multi-cal designs (just like the INSAS didn't) and is being developed for the F-INSAS program but will only be inservice by late 2016/2017 at the earliest.


The foreign multi-cal purchase WON'T kill the MCIWS nor will the MCIWS kill the foreign multi-cal rifle purchase.


It is quite normal for certain specialist units (pathfinders, airborne infantry etc) to have different ARs to their counterparts in the general infantry in modern day armies (look at the UK and the French armies).

Urgent requirement as if we dont have rifles or we are going to war ?

 

[Twinblade]

I also think that INSAS will continue to be manufactured, because, it is cheaper to make (with stamped steel parts), compared to MCIWS, which is more expensive (more complicated and more milled parts).

Insas line is shut down. The police departments across the country will have thousands of military surplus Insas coming their way.

Guys calm down!


One thing that needs to be made clear is the MCIWS and foreign multi-cal buy are 2 SEPARATE procurements. The foreign multi-cal rifle buy is only for around 66-100,000 units-not the ENTIRE IA. The foreign multi-cal rifle buy is seen as an urgent requirement and should be in service by 2015. The foreign multi-cal rifles are for certain select units (not SFs though) such as para brigades and RR (the later being especially important in the light of ISAF draw-down in Afghanistan).

The MCIWS IS the next generation standard rifle for the Indian Military- FACT. It WON'T be going head to head with any foreign multi-cal designs (just like the INSAS didn't) and is being developed for the F-INSAS program but will only be inservice by late 2016/2017 at the earliest.


The foreign multi-cal purchase WON'T kill the MCIWS nor will the MCIWS kill the foreign multi-cal rifle purchase.


It is quite normal for certain specialist units (pathfinders, airborne infantry etc) to have different ARs to their counterparts in the general infantry in modern day armies (look at the UK and the French armies).

Yeah? 60,000 off the shelf procurement plus 160,000 license production sound like a separate purchase ? How many infantry troops does IA have ? Do you think that CAPFs would go for any other rifle than what the army has chosen ?

 

[pmaitra]

Insas line is shut down. The police departments across the country will have thousands of military surplus Insas coming their way.

When was it shut down?

 

[Twinblade]

When was it shut down?

End of the line for the Insas rifle - Times Of India

 

[pmaitra]

End of the line for the Insas rifle - Times Of India

Oh, yes, it is in the process of being shut down. I just saw that.

 

[Shaitan]

Guys calm down!


One thing that needs to be made clear is the MCIWS and foreign multi-cal buy are 2 SEPARATE procurements. The foreign multi-cal rifle buy is only for around 66-100,000 units-not the ENTIRE IA. The foreign multi-cal rifle buy is seen as an urgent requirement and should be in service by 2015. The foreign multi-cal rifles are for certain select units (not SFs though) such as para brigades and RR (the later being especially important in the light of ISAF draw-down in Afghanistan).

The MCIWS IS the next generation standard rifle for the Indian Military- FACT. It WON'T be going head to head with any foreign multi-cal designs (just like the INSAS didn't) and is being developed for the F-INSAS program but will only be inservice by late 2016/2017 at the earliest.


The foreign multi-cal purchase WON'T kill the MCIWS nor will the MCIWS kill the foreign multi-cal rifle purchase.


It is quite normal for certain specialist units (pathfinders, airborne infantry etc) to have different ARs to their counterparts in the general infantry in modern day armies (look at the UK and the French armies).

66,000 will be manufactured by the winning. The rest by OFB.

This is rather sad really.

Judging by the pace of MSMC, who knows how long DRDO's rifle will take.....

Might have to dig an early burial.

 

[Shaitan]

Let us gather and cremate the MCIWS.

For it is over before it even started.

 

[sayareakd]

INSAS will move to para militry and police forces and it will be at least 10 years till this happens. Plus FINSAS rifle will make multi caliber outdated.

I think both will come together.

btw tender is for 66,000 multi caliber with domestic production of 100,000. Cost is above 250,000/- INR or above.

drdo rifle should cost 59k-75k INR judging from the fact that INSAS cost 25k.

 

[Shaitan]

INSAS will move to para militry and police forces and it will be at least 10 years till this happens. Plus FINSAS rifle will make multi caliber outdated.

I think both will come together.

btw tender is for 66,000 multi caliber with domestic production of 100,000. Cost is above 250,000/- INR or above.

drdo rifle should cost 59k-75k INR judging from the fact that INSAS cost 25k.

Why would you have an army with two standard rifles??

Can you imagine IA with M16s and INSASs floating all over the place?

 

[sayareakd]

66,000 will be manufactured by the winning. The rest by OFB.

This is rather sad really.

Judging my the pace of MSMC, who knows how long DRDO's rifle will take.....

Might have to dig an early burial.

Not to forget armed agents, dealers & corrupt officer trying to make a killing under the table.

 

[Shaitan]

India will suffocate it's own small arms development. It's like marut saga all over again.

 

[srutayus]

India will suffocate it's own small arms development. It's like marut saga all over again.

Gentlemen,
By now almost every educated Indian with an interest in defense knows how the procurement system works:
1) Good or better Indian systems will never enter service and if they do only in small numbers after protracted trails
2) DRDO often comes up with good or better systems than those of foreign origin
3) In most countries inferior indigenous systems are adopted and fostered by the countries armed forces to develop them further to world standards over succeeding generations, in India superior Indian systems are discouraged, delayed and cancelled by the armed forces
4) DRDO has been proactive in involving the private sector in manufacturing, unlike what critics say. See for instance the Tata-VRDE Kestrel Armored vehicle
5) Most blame and remedial actions are attached to DRDO, but most of the responsibility lies with our armed forces and is not being addressed

The reasons for this seem to the following
1) Organizational culture in Armed Forces fostering a negative attitude to domestic products. Private sector is running into this as well.
2) A cultural preference for imported products
3) Corruption. The levels to which this has permeated can be seen when the serving Army Chief (VK Singh) was approached with a bribe with impunity with the implication that this was done several times before. Also remember the Tehelka hidden camera footage. There are many instances where GSQRs are deliberately and clearly distorted to benefit specific vendors. This is more the rule than the exception. This is harsh reality is something that we often choose not to face. Remember this when the argument is made about how the army knows what is best for it.
4) PR by foreign Vendors and their local agents is much better than by the government entities developing products in India. Witness especially the numerous articles in the domestic press that are extremely disparaging to domestic endeavors on specious grounds and misleading information.
5) Arms Agents of Foreign Arms Vendors have enormous clout in policy making circle in the political, bureaucratic and military class in India.

The consequences to this are the following
1) Defense Industrial base in India is never allowed to develop.
2) Spending on defense, more than 10% of government expenditure, would create much more value when it is expended in the country
3) Indian foreign policy will be less inhibited by being constrained to maintain good relationships with the countries from which we import defense systems regardless of actual national interest.
4) Indian Industrial base will receive enormous ancillary benefits by producing in India. The thousands of vendors and all their employees involved in just one major weapon system is very significant in a country with a all our economic and unemployment problems.
5) Imported weapons with their maintenance and munitions supply chain cannot be relied on in the event of a major war especially with china. In the past Indo-Pakistan wars have been short as neither country's imported stock of weaponry could sustain a prolonged effort. Now China is not constrained by this and Pakistan can be sustained indefinitely by China.
6) Expensive foreign weapons cannot equip a i.2 million strong army as India's spending resources are still limited monetarily (especially in Foreign exchange)
7) Upgrades of Foreign systems is mostly dependent on the OEM
8) Maintenance of foreign systems is very dependent of the foreign OEM's vendor base. Costs, schedule etc. impacted.
9) Sanctions can cause whole systems to be grounded
10) Etc.

We can make a difference to this thus:
1) Social media. Many of us spend a lot of time on forums discussing these issues amongst ourselves. Become active on Twitter, Facebook etc. Tag newspapers and endeavor to get interest form mainstream media.
2) Spread the word amongst educated people uninformed in defense. Again social media.
3) Reach out to supportive political entities. Narendra Modi is keen on domestic production but may not know the details on what holds us back. AAP has a strong stance against corruption.
4) Influence the debate on this topic in any way possible
5) Highlight specific questionable procurements e.g. foreign MICWS, T90 acquisition etc. Be persistent

For the love of your country, spread word. As the few people with the education, interest and knowledge of these things the responsibility lies on our shoulders. The most critical time to make or break our system is now. The future of your country lies in your hands.
It will be difficult at first as most people, informed by the media that has nothing good to say about indigenous efforts either through ignorance or due to the efforts of PR departments of foreign arms merchants and their agents are prejudiced.

Please use all or parts of the write-up above if and as needed.

 

[Shaitan]

 

[pmaitra]

Insas line is shut down. The police departments across the country will have thousands of military surplus Insas coming their way.

End of the line for the Insas rifle - Times Of India

INSAS rifle production has not been shut down at RFI yet. Production is on. It will be shut down later this year, and MCIWS or Tavor will be produced here. Which one will be produced, has not been finalized yet.

 

[sayareakd]

first part will create logistic problem, as now the unit will have two additional barrel, plus three kind of magazines and other spear parts which will increase by 3X times. It will also result in them having to have three kind of ammo.
Eg: Soldiers in counter terror will have let say 100 of main bullets 7.62 plus will have one magazine of other.
Those who are at LOC will be facing acute problem of having 7.62mm, plus 5.56mm.............

Second part air bust grenade, if fired assisting laser range finder and electronic fuse will make huge difference to our capabilities.

 

[Twinblade]

Those who are at LOC will be facing acute problem of having 7.62mm, plus 5.56mm.............

It won't be that way. Rashtriya Rifles, COBRAs and those involved in COIN would carry only 7.62x39, rest will carry 5.56NATO, 6.8 would be limited issue for now, probably only for SF.

Second part air bust grenade, if fired assisting laser range finder and electronic fuse will make huge difference to our capabilities.

Programmable grenades can be timed to explode after penetrating a door or a window, thus killing everyone in the room.

 

[sayareakd]

It won't be that way. Rashtriya Rifles, COBRAs and those involved in COIN would carry only 7.62x39, rest will carry 5.56NATO, 6.8 would be limited issue for now, probably only for SF.

Hope it does not create logistic problem if i am soldier and i am using 5.56 i dont want to be supplied with 7.62 or 6.8.

Then question of having to have other magazine and parts available to them. Not to forget extra weight or extra things to be carried in base or launching area.

Programmable grenades can be timed to explode after penetrating a door or a window, thus killing everyone in the room.

Israelis have MRPS sight

that XM25 is quite over rated, look at MRPS kit from Israel

this can do the same thing which XM25 can do that too at very very low cost at the existing Assault rifle.

now checked out this

Shot at 2010-08-19

INSAS rifle with MRPS kit, this was offered to India in 2006, but shockingly it was rejected.

That could have been our cheap XM25.

it will make our rifle like this