Army places order for 73,000 more SIG716 rifles

The Ministry of Defence first awarded SIG SAUER a contract for the SIG716 in 2019 for 72,400 rifles. The rifles, being used by the Armed Forces of the US and other European countries, were bought under the fast-track procurement procedure.

The Indian Armed Forces have been using the Russian-origin AK-47s and the 5.56×45 mm INSAS Rifle.

The rifles from Sig Sauer were meant to replace the in-service 5.56X45 mm INSAS Rifle with a 7.62X51mm modern Assault Rifle. India and Russia are also jointly producing AK 203 rifles at a factory in UP’s Amethi.