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India inks contract for 72,000 assault rifles
Why is it in news?
- After several failed attempts to equip the infantry with a basic rifle, the Army signed a contract with Sig Sauer of the U.S. for 72,400 SIG716 assault rifles for front-line soldiers deployed in operational areas.
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- Fast track procurement:(1) A contract for 72,400 assault rifles through fast track procurement was signed with Sig Sauer.(2)The entire lot will be delivered in 12 months.
- Division of lot: Of the 72,400 rifles, 66,400 are meant for the Army, 2,000 for the Navy and 4,000 for the Air Force.
- Specifications:(1) Effective range of 500 m.(2) Weight of less than 3 kg.
- Replacement for INSAS rifles: The new rifles will replace the Indian National Small Arms System (INSAS) rifles.
- EoI for naval utility helicopters:(1) Defence Ministry also issued the Expression of Interest (EoI) for a deal to buy 111 naval utility helicopters.(2) This is the first project to be executed through the strategic partnership policy.(3) Under this, the chosen Indian private company will team up with the Original Equipment Manufacturer to build the product in India.(4) The copters will replace the ageing Chetak fleet.
Source
The Hindu