India’s Ministry of Defense has placed a second order with American weapons manufacturer Sig Sauer for 73,000 SIG716 rifles. This follows a previous order of 72,400 rifles in 2019, bringing the total number of SIG716 rifles in service with the Indian Army to over 145,000 upon completion of the new deal.
The SIG716 is an enhanced version of the ArmaLite Rifle platform, chambered in 7.62 NATO. It features a 16-inch barrel, M-LOK handguard, and a 6-position telescoping stock. Designed for long-range engagement, the rifle boasts a higher caliber, increased recoil, and greater lethality compared to the INSAS and AK-47 rifles currently in use. It is capable of engaging targets effectively up to 600 meters, or ~1, 970 feet.
The initial 2019 order was distributed among the Indian armed forces, with 66,400 rifles allocated to the Army, 4,000 to the Air Force, and 2,000 to the Navy. Originally intended for frontline troops, the Indian Army later decided to equip all of its more than 400 infantry battalions with the SIG716.
Ron Cohen, President and CEO of Sig Sauer said, “We are proud to be a partner in the modernization effort of the Indian Army, and prouder still that the SIG716 rifle achieves the Ministry of Defense’s modernization goals with the second largest army in the world.”
This procurement’s enhanced capabilities make it a significant upgrade for Indian forces. The decision to equip all infantry battalions with the rifle underscores its importance in India’s military strategy.
Sig Sauer, based in New Hampshire, designs and manufactures rifles for various clients, including the Indian Army and other entities in the United States. The company has stated its commitment to strengthening its partnership with India’s Ministry of Defense, potentially leading to future collaborations and contracts.
This large-scale adoption of the SIG716 rifle represents a major shift in India’s small arms inventory, moving away from older platforms such as the INSAS and AK-47 towards more modern, powerful, and versatile weapons. As India continues to modernize its armed forces, such procurements play a crucial role in enhancing its military capabilities and readiness.
