Indian Army receives first batch of SIG 716 assault rifles.

The Indian Army has started inducting its newly acquired American-made SIG 716 assault rifles for counter-terrorist operations, Wion reports. The first lot of 10,000 SIG 716s has arrived in India and has been sent to the Northern Command.

SIG 716 assault rifle (Picture source: SIG Sauer)

In February 2019, India had signed a contract for procurement of 72,400 assault rifles from the US-based company SIG Sauer under the fast-track procurement (FTP) route. All of the 72,400 rifles were scheduled to be delivered within 12 months of the date of the signing of the contract. Of the 72,400 rifles, the Army will get 66,400, the Navy will get 2,000, and the Air Force will get 4,000.

Combining the reliability and ergonomics of the SIG 516 series rifle with the more powerful 7.62mm cartridge, the SIG 716 G2 features a short-stroke pushrod gas system. This advanced operating system reduces carbon fouling, excessive heat and unburned powder in the action.