Modernisation of Indian Army Infantry

WolfPack86

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Army pushes ahead with plan to equip infantry soldiers with modern weapons

The Army is now firmly pushing ahead with its long-delayed roadmap to induct new assault rifles, close-quarter battle carbines and light machine guns to arm infantry soldiers after several setbacks over the last decade. The overall requirement for these basic weapons for foot-soldiers, who are often forgotten in the race to acquire howitzers, tanks, missiles, helicopters and the like, is huge for the over 12-lakh strong force. With over 380 infantry and 63 Rashtriya Rifles battalions, the Army requires around 9.5 lakh assault rifles, 4.6 lakh CQB carbines and over 57,000 light machine guns (LMGs). “Some emergency procurements from abroad as a critical operational necessity are already underway. Bulk of the requirements will be met by `Make in India’ projects with foreign collaboration,” said a senior officer. For starters, amidst the ongoing military confrontation with China, the contract for the second lot of 72,000 SiG Sauer assault rifles from the US is set to be inked by December. The Army has already inducted 72,400 SiG Sauer rifles, which are 7.62×51 mm caliber guns with an effective “kill” range of 500-metre, for frontline troops under a Rs 647 crore fast-track procurement (FTP) deal inked in February last year. Simultaneously, the Army wants the stalled ‘Make in India’ project to manufacture over seven lakh Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles, at the Korwa ordnance factory in Uttar Pradesh with Russian collaboration, to take off as soon as possible. “The SiG Sauer and AK-203 rifles meet our operational requirements. We do not require the 7.62x51mm rifle prototype developed by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which has time, quality and pricing issues,” said another officer. Deliveries of 16,479 Israeli Negev 7.62X51 mm LMGs will begin from January under a Rs 880 crore deal inked in March this year. “Five foreign companies, in turn, have already been shortlisted for the subsequent project to manufacture the rest of the LMGs here. The trials will begin early next year,” he said. The RFP (request for proposal) to manufacture 4.6 lakh CQB carbines in India will also be issued early next year. This comes after an earlier FTP procurement to buy 93,895 such carbines from UAE firm Caracal was scrapped recently. “Four to five foreign companies, including Caracal, have expressed interest. They can tie-up with OFB or private companies here,” he said. All this, of course, will take a lot of doing. The contract to manufacture the 7.62×39 mm caliber AK-203 rifles through the JV between OFB and Rosonboronexport-Kalashnikov, which was set up in February 2019, for instance, is still stuck due to costing issues, as was reported by TOI earlier. The Army had first asked for new assault rifles and CQB carbines way back in 2005, while the case for LMGs was initiated in 2009. But the long-drawn procurement projects were repeatedly scrapped due to graft allegations or unrealistic technical parameters as well as the lack of indigenous options for well over a decade.
 

Killswitch

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Here is my simplest idea:

Assault rifle: AK 203 762x39
DMR: Sig 716 G2 762x51
GPMG: Negev 7 762x51
Sniper: Gepard Lynx 12.7
Heavy MG: Kord 12.7

You can equip 90%+ of troops with these systems, only 3 calibers required. Its incredible to me this issue wasn't sorted in the 5 years following Kargil,
 
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Killbot

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Here is my simplest idea:

Assault rifle: AK 203 762x39
DMR: Sig 716 G2 762x51
GPMG: Negev 7 762x51
Sniper: Gepard Lynx 12.7
Heavy MG: Kord 12.7

You can equip 90%+ of troops with these systems, only 3 calibers required. Its incredible to me this issue wasn't sorted in the 5 years following Kargil,
Better idea:
6.5 Grendel AK style assault rifle for all of infantry:
DMR, Assault Rifle and carbine.
6.5 grendel belt fed LMG.
.338 LM GPMG
.338 LM Sniper.
Only 2 calibers.
 

Automatic Kalashnikov

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Army pushes ahead with plan to equip infantry soldiers with modern weapons

The Army is now firmly pushing ahead with its long-delayed roadmap to induct new assault rifles, close-quarter battle carbines and light machine guns to arm infantry soldiers after several setbacks over the last decade. The overall requirement for these basic weapons for foot-soldiers, who are often forgotten in the race to acquire howitzers, tanks, missiles, helicopters and the like, is huge for the over 12-lakh strong force. With over 380 infantry and 63 Rashtriya Rifles battalions, the Army requires around 9.5 lakh assault rifles, 4.6 lakh CQB carbines and over 57,000 light machine guns (LMGs). “Some emergency procurements from abroad as a critical operational necessity are already underway. Bulk of the requirements will be met by `Make in India’ projects with foreign collaboration,” said a senior officer. For starters, amidst the ongoing military confrontation with China, the contract for the second lot of 72,000 SiG Sauer assault rifles from the US is set to be inked by December. The Army has already inducted 72,400 SiG Sauer rifles, which are 7.62×51 mm caliber guns with an effective “kill” range of 500-metre, for frontline troops under a Rs 647 crore fast-track procurement (FTP) deal inked in February last year. Simultaneously, the Army wants the stalled ‘Make in India’ project to manufacture over seven lakh Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles, at the Korwa ordnance factory in Uttar Pradesh with Russian collaboration, to take off as soon as possible. “The SiG Sauer and AK-203 rifles meet our operational requirements. We do not require the 7.62x51mm rifle prototype developed by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which has time, quality and pricing issues,” said another officer. Deliveries of 16,479 Israeli Negev 7.62X51 mm LMGs will begin from January under a Rs 880 crore deal inked in March this year. “Five foreign companies, in turn, have already been shortlisted for the subsequent project to manufacture the rest of the LMGs here. The trials will begin early next year,” he said. The RFP (request for proposal) to manufacture 4.6 lakh CQB carbines in India will also be issued early next year. This comes after an earlier FTP procurement to buy 93,895 such carbines from UAE firm Caracal was scrapped recently. “Four to five foreign companies, including Caracal, have expressed interest. They can tie-up with OFB or private companies here,” he said. All this, of course, will take a lot of doing. The contract to manufacture the 7.62×39 mm caliber AK-203 rifles through the JV between OFB and Rosonboronexport-Kalashnikov, which was set up in February 2019, for instance, is still stuck due to costing issues, as was reported by TOI earlier. The Army had first asked for new assault rifles and CQB carbines way back in 2005, while the case for LMGs was initiated in 2009. But the long-drawn procurement projects were repeatedly scrapped due to graft allegations or unrealistic technical parameters as well as the lack of indigenous options for well over a decade.
450 infantry battalions is roughly 5 lakh infantry men. But acc to article over 14.5lakh guns are needed including AR, carbines, LMG and snipers. I am not able to understand where do all these rifles go?
 

FalconSlayers

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450 infantry battalions is roughly 5 lakh infantry men. But acc to article over 14.5lakh guns are needed including AR, carbines, LMG and snipers. I am not able to understand where do all these rifles go?
Artillery, armoured, signals, special forces, [airforce and navy in huge numbers].
 

Lancer

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Army pushes ahead with plan to equip infantry soldiers with modern weapons

The Army is now firmly pushing ahead with its long-delayed roadmap to induct new assault rifles, close-quarter battle carbines and light machine guns to arm infantry soldiers after several setbacks over the last decade. The overall requirement for these basic weapons for foot-soldiers, who are often forgotten in the race to acquire howitzers, tanks, missiles, helicopters and the like, is huge for the over 12-lakh strong force. With over 380 infantry and 63 Rashtriya Rifles battalions, the Army requires around 9.5 lakh assault rifles, 4.6 lakh CQB carbines and over 57,000 light machine guns (LMGs). “Some emergency procurements from abroad as a critical operational necessity are already underway. Bulk of the requirements will be met by `Make in India’ projects with foreign collaboration,” said a senior officer. For starters, amidst the ongoing military confrontation with China, the contract for the second lot of 72,000 SiG Sauer assault rifles from the US is set to be inked by December. The Army has already inducted 72,400 SiG Sauer rifles, which are 7.62×51 mm caliber guns with an effective “kill” range of 500-metre, for frontline troops under a Rs 647 crore fast-track procurement (FTP) deal inked in February last year. Simultaneously, the Army wants the stalled ‘Make in India’ project to manufacture over seven lakh Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles, at the Korwa ordnance factory in Uttar Pradesh with Russian collaboration, to take off as soon as possible. “The SiG Sauer and AK-203 rifles meet our operational requirements. We do not require the 7.62x51mm rifle prototype developed by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which has time, quality and pricing issues,” said another officer. Deliveries of 16,479 Israeli Negev 7.62X51 mm LMGs will begin from January under a Rs 880 crore deal inked in March this year. “Five foreign companies, in turn, have already been shortlisted for the subsequent project to manufacture the rest of the LMGs here. The trials will begin early next year,” he said. The RFP (request for proposal) to manufacture 4.6 lakh CQB carbines in India will also be issued early next year. This comes after an earlier FTP procurement to buy 93,895 such carbines from UAE firm Caracal was scrapped recently. “Four to five foreign companies, including Caracal, have expressed interest. They can tie-up with OFB or private companies here,” he said. All this, of course, will take a lot of doing. The contract to manufacture the 7.62×39 mm caliber AK-203 rifles through the JV between OFB and Rosonboronexport-Kalashnikov, which was set up in February 2019, for instance, is still stuck due to costing issues, as was reported by TOI earlier. The Army had first asked for new assault rifles and CQB carbines way back in 2005, while the case for LMGs was initiated in 2009. But the long-drawn procurement projects were repeatedly scrapped due to graft allegations or unrealistic technical parameters as well as the lack of indigenous options for well over a decade.
Work on BPJ's, helmets and good weapons is already underway. Quality boots, ballistic glasses (and maybe elbow & knee pads) should be next.
 

Unknowncommando 2

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@Unknowncommando 2 will Indian army consider Arad rifle as standard 5.56 assault rifle as I feel AK-203 rifles are effective in 300m range whereas 5.56 are effective in 500m range due to higher muzzle velocity, even Russian infantry doesn’t use 7.62x39 instead they use 5.45x39 high muzzle velocity cartridge, china uses 5.8x42 high muzzle velocity cartridge, US and NATO use 5.56x45 all countries use high muzzle velocity cartridged rifles, so do you think Arab will be our standard 5.56x45 mm rifle as they will be made in India.
View attachment 63334
I don’t know but I feel IA should have a standard optic mass produced in India, like US army’s standard optic is ACOG and Aimpoint COMP M5, will Indian Army go for 1-4x variable power scope for Indian small arms? As BEL holographic sight is presumed to be the standard reflex sight of the Army.

something kinda this (coz ACOGs are pretty damn expensive and cost even more than the rifle itself).View attachment 63335
We will only know once requirements are issued by the Army. Army has decided that 5.56×45mm for CQB Carbine (Not AR), 7.62×39 for AR & 7.62×51mm for BR. It is done and dusted. Plus don't know which contenders the companies will field for new tender, if issued. Because new requirements may vary.

AK is proven platform in Indian conditions. We have so many AK clones in service for a reason and still upgrading after 3-5 decades after induction (Including captured TYPE 56 & Hungarian AMD series). A regular Infantryman needs a reliable & simple rifle which AK-203 is taking diverse fighting conditions into account. AK-103/203 has 500m effective range but for a regular non experienced Infantryman hitting 300/400m+ distance effectively is possible with proper optics. Army wants shoot to kill rounds for the frontlines & CT ops which is exactly why they are still sticking with 7.62mm. This video will help you.

It doesn't matter what others use. Their requirements & wish depending on the experience with particular calibre & the environment they fight in. Don't really have to mirror everything which others do.

Other than performance factors like production capacity of the firm, price negotiations, performance in trials, TOT also matter for such big deals. (Don't forget about the lobbying if there is and that is a big if)

When it comes to sights I have no clue. Existing BEL, APTL, TONBO, EOTECH, Zeiss etc. sights are being used on SIGs but no requirement issued for high power scopes yet. I have more hopes from procurement of Northern Command commanders via their financial powers.
 

WolfPack86

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Army Pushes Ahead With Plan To Equip Infantry Soldiers With Modern Weapons
NEW DELHI: The Army is now firmly pushing ahead with its long-delayed roadmap to induct new assault rifles, close-quarter battle carbines and light machine guns to arm infantry soldiers after several setbacks over the last decade.

The overall requirement for these basic weapons for foot-soldiers, who are often forgotten in the race to acquire howitzers, tanks, missiles, helicopters and the like, is huge for the over 12-lakh strong force.

With over 380 infantry and 63 Rashtriya Rifles battalions, the Army requires around 9.5 lakh assault rifles, 4.6 lakh CQB carbines and over 57,000 light machine guns (LMGs).

“Some emergency procurements from abroad as a critical operational necessity are already underway. Bulk of the requirements will be met by `Make in India’ projects with foreign collaboration,” said a senior officer.

For starters, amidst the ongoing military confrontation with China, the contract for the second lot of 72,000 SiG Sauer assault rifles from the US is set to be inked by December.

The Army has already inducted 72,400 SiG Sauer rifles, which are 7.62x51 mm calibre guns with an effective “kill” range of 500-metre, for frontline troops under a Rs 647 crore fast-track procurement (FTP) deal inked in February last year.

Simultaneously, the Army wants the stalled ‘Make in India’ project to manufacture over seven lakh Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles, at the Korwa ordnance factory in Uttar Pradesh with Russian collaboration, to take off as soon as possible.

“The SiG Sauer and AK-203 rifles meet our operational requirements. We do not require the 7.62x51mm rifle prototype developed by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which has time, quality and pricing issues,” said another officer.

Deliveries of 16,479 Israeli Negev 7.62X51 mm LMGs will begin from January under a Rs 880 crore deal inked in March this year. “Five foreign companies, in turn, have already been shortlisted for the subsequent project to manufacture the rest of the LMGs here. The trials will begin early next year,” he said.

The RFP (request for proposal) to manufacture 4.6 lakh CQB carbines in India will also be issued early next year. This comes after an earlier FTP procurement to buy 93,895 such carbines from UAE firm Caracal was scrapped recently. “Four to five foreign companies, including Caracal, have expressed interest. They can tie-up with OFB or private companies here,” he said.

All this, of course, will take a lot of doing. The contract to manufacture the 7.62x39 mm calibre AK-203 rifles through the JV between OFB and Rosonboronexport-Kalashnikov, which was set up in February 2019, for instance, is still stuck due to costing issues, as was reported by TOI earlier.

The Army had first asked for new assault rifles and CQB carbines way back in 2005, while the case for LMGs was initiated in 2009. But the long-drawn procurement projects were repeatedly scrapped due to graft allegations or unrealistic technical parameters as well as the lack of indigenous options for well over a decade.
 

DianaSanderson43lny

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View attachment 63638
FAB DEFENSE MOD + EOTECH
Dragunov + BEL PNVS
MKU Helmet
Nice pictures there. But did you consider which scopes are they using? I am an amateur of hunting ducks in my free time (with my doggie of course) and I'm all into scopes. I couldn't find a good scope that won't break and fall from my weapon. How many nightforces and riganis I have been using yet everyone of them were breaking, untill I found a good hunting scope on a site that my friend recommended me. It even has nightscope. I'm wondering if those guys from army are using the same one, because it is said that they are "used by navy forces"
 

Vishalreddy3

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For all those who think we should make Sig 716 as standard AR and who thinks that these 7.62 Nato Battle rifles are controllable in burst or full auto.
Wait wait, did we just compare sig sauer 716 with FN scar?? It's a known fact that FN SCAR-L/H have more powerful recoil than any other 7.62*51mm Rifle in the world.
 

ALBY

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Lol.Noob or pro the bullet used is 7.62 Nato, so the recoil would be heavy when compared with even Ak.Its best suited only for long range
 

Suryavanshi

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Lol.Noob or pro the bullet used is 7.62 Nato, so the recoil would be heavy when compared with even Ak.Its best suited only for long range
Yes and most of our borders have a possibility of long range firefight. Other than Counter Insurgency we don't find use of Low caliber anywhere
 

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