New Delhi [India], October 23 (HBTV): In a major boost to indigenously produced weapons, the Indian Army has signed a contract to procure 4.25 lakh close-quarter carbines, of which 2.5 lakh will be supplied by Bharat Forge, while the remaining will be provided by Adani PLR Systems.
The new carbines, developed under the DRDO initiative, will replace the vintage models that were phased out years ago.
‘The Indian Army has signed a contract worth INR 2,700 crore to buy 4.25 lakh carbines from Bharat Forge and PLR Systems. The weapons can fire 5.56 mm bullets and will help in enhancing the capability of troops in operations,’ said Lt Gen Ajay Kumar, Director General (Infantry), during a briefing.
According to officials, the vendors will begin delivering the guns from next year onwards. The contract was signed last month, Lt Gen Kumar added.
He noted that the infantry has moved towards the motto of ‘shoot to kill’ and has replaced its older 5.56 mm rifles with the 7.62 mm American Sig Sauer and Russian-origin AK-203 assault rifles.
The Indian Army has undertaken several initiatives to address the shortage of advanced rifles for its troops and plans to induct weapons that will remain in service for the next 20 to 30 years. (ANI)