72400 SIG716-G2 precision rifles will be purchased to equip India Army soldiers on LOC
   02-Feb-2019

 
 
The Defence Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman has recently cleared the purchase of 72,400 SIG716-G2 rifles for Indian Army soldiers posted in the difficult terrain of Jammu and Kashmir to combat infiltration. The incumbent central government is not only boosting the morale of soldiers of Indian army but looking to equip them with modern weaponry so that incidents terrorism can be dealt with effectively. In this direction, these SIG716-G2 rifles will be purchased from Sig Sauer and its delivery is likely within a year. These rifles will use 7.62 mm ammunition and they may be more effective than the indigenous INSAS rifles that use 5.56 mm ammunition. The SIG716-G2 will be a new generation rifle, lighter and more accurate.
 
  
 
The deal was for rifles, carbines and light machine-guns but as of now the only purchase of rifles has been clear and the carbines are likely to be cleared soon. These rifles are cost-effective as India has to pay only Rs 700 crore or less for it. Once the carbines also come, the soldier right on the front will have the best possible weapons. Currently, soldiers are using the INSAS rifle. This rifle is good but underpowered slightly.