India to invest $96 Mn for 70,000 Sig Sauer 716 assault rifles.

According to ANI on December 12, 2023, the Indian Army is set to acquire 70,000 Sig Sauer 716 assault rifles following the Defence Ministry's approval on the same date. This procurement, with a budget exceeding Rs 800 crore ($95,908,880), is in response to India's current security challenges, including the military standoff with China and counterterrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
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The SIG 716 is a battle rifle variant of the SIG 516 assault rifle, primarily differing in its chambering for the 7.62x51mm NATO round and the use of SR-25 pattern magazines. (Picture source: Sig Sauer)

The selection of the Sig Sauer 716 rifles was made during a meeting with senior military and government officials, based on the need for a firearm with extended range and higher caliber compared to the currently used INSAS Rifle and AK-47 variants. This decision aligns with the ongoing initiative to modernize the Indian Army's equipment. The rifles are expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian troops in the China border region and in Jammu and Kashmir.

As reported by Army Recognition on December 11, 2019, the Indian military had previously procured 72,400 SIG 716 rifles for the Army, Air Force, and Navy. These rifles have been utilized specifically in operations in the Ladakh sector along the China border and in the Kashmir valley.

Additionally, the Indian forces are in the process of integrating AK-203 rifles, produced under a joint venture near Amethi, and acquiring Russian AK-103 rifles, to further augment their operational readiness across various scenarios.

The SIG 716 is a battle rifle variant of the SIG 516 assault rifle, primarily differing in its chambering for the 7.62x51mm NATO round and the use of SR-25 pattern magazines. The SIG 516, an AR-15 style firearm chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, was introduced in 2010 and discontinued in 2019.

The SIG 716 G2, or Generation 2, is an updated version of the SIG716, incorporating a short-stroke pushrod gas system to mitigate carbon fouling, heat, and unburned powder in the action. The G2 series includes models like the G2 Patrol and the G2 DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle), the latter chambered in the 6.5mm Creedmoor round.

The SIG 716 DMR G2 model, designed for precision shooting, features a lighter handguard, a two-stage match trigger, and a muzzle brake. It also includes a two-position adjustable gas system and is chambered in 7.62 x 51mm, making it compatible with various suppressors and muzzle devices.

The SIG 716i (impingement) variant employs a gas-operated, rotating bolt system and is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. SIG Sauer has discontinued the original SIG716 and SIG716 G2 models, yet continues to supply magazines and spare parts for these models. The 716i was recognized as the best AR-10 rifle for the year 2020 in a readers' choice vote conducted by Ballistic, a firearms-focused magazine.

The current 716i Tread variant of the Sig Sauer 716 rifle is chambered in 7.62 NATO and comes with a 20-round magazine, compatible with AR-10. This model features a semi-automatic action type, telescopic stock, carbon steel barrel, and a single-stage polished/hard coat trigger. The rifle is designed with an alloy forend, polymer grip, hard coat anodized receiver, measures 94 cm in overall length, and operates on a direct impingement system. The 716i Tread weighs 3.85 kg.