New Delhi. India has ordered 73,000 more Sig 716 rifles from US arms manufacturer Sig Sauer. The company gave this information. The American company also said that it is proud to be a partner in the “modernization efforts” of the Indian Army.
This step has been taken amid the ongoing border dispute between India and China in eastern Ladakh. The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved the purchase of additional 73,000 Sig rifles in December last year.
In a statement issued in the US, Sig Sauer said that it is “proud to announce a second purchase contract” with the Ministry of Defense of the Government of India for the supply of 73,000 more Sig 716 rifles. According to the statement, after this supply, the Indian Army will have 1,45,400 Sig 716 rifles. India had earlier given a contract to Sig Sauer to supply 72,400 Sig 716 rifles in 2019.
The statement said, “Due to its success in the field and its huge acceptance among the soldiers, another order has been received for an additional 73,000 rifles.” The statement quoted Sig Sauer President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ron Cohen as saying, “We are proud to be a partner in the Indian Army’s modernization effort, and even more proud that the Sig 716 rifle has achieved the modernization goals of the Ministry of Defense with the world’s second largest army.” The purchase of Sig Sauer rifles is a step towards replacing the indigenously manufactured INSAS rifles. The Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) was inducted into the army in 1988. The design of the rifle was changed in the year 1993 and it was inducted into the army in 1996. This rifle was used during the 1999 Kargil war.