American weapons manufacturer Sig Sauer has announced a significant expansion of its partnership with India’s Ministry of Defence, securing a second major contract for the supply of 73,000 SIG716 rifles. This order comes five years after the Indian government’s initial purchase of 72,400 rifles from Sig Sauer in 2019. The latest deal brings the total number of Sig Sauer SIG716 rifles in service with the Indian Army to over 145,000.
The SIG716 rifle, an improved version of the ArmaLite Rifle (AR) platform, is chambered for the powerful 7.62 NATO cartridge. It boasts a 16-inch barrel, an M-LOK handguard, and a 6-position telescoping stock. Notably, the SIG716 boasts higher recoil and a larger caliber compared to the standard-issue INSAS and AK-47 rifles, providing it with greater range and lethality, specifically for engaging targets up to 600 meters.
The Indian Army initially planned to equip only frontline troops with the SIG716 rifles. However, the impressive performance and reliability of the weapon have led to a change in strategy, with the army now planning to equip all of its over 400 infantry battalions with the modern rifle. This signifies a significant commitment to the SIG716 as a core component of the Indian Army’s modernization efforts.
Sig Sauer, based in New Hampshire, has expressed pride in its ongoing partnership with the Indian Ministry of Defence and the contribution its rifles are making to the modernization of the world’s second-largest army. The company has highlighted the positive feedback from Indian soldiers on the SIG716’s reliability and performance, reinforcing the trust and confidence placed in the weapon by the Indian military.
This latest contract further solidifies Sig Sauer’s position as a key supplier to the Indian defense sector, suggesting the potential for even greater collaborations and future deals in the years to come. The ongoing modernization of the Indian Army, fueled by the adoption of advanced weaponry like the SIG716, reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities and its growing influence on the global stage.
