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Indian Army Orders thousands Additional SIG716 Rifles for Army services..


SIG SAUER, Inc. recently announced a second supply contract with the Indian government, through the Ministry of Defence, to deliver an additional 73,000 SIG716 rifles. Once this order is completed, the Indian Army will have a total of 145,400 SIG716 rifles, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of its military equipment.
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Indian army personnel from White Night Corps armed with a Sig 716i, 2021 (Picture source: Indian MoD)

This collaboration between SIG SAUER and the Indian Army began in 2019 when the Ministry of Defence placed an initial order for 72,400 SIG716 rifles. These rifles quickly won over the Indian troops due to their exceptional performance and reliability on the field. This positive reception led to the decision to further strengthen the Indian Armed Forces' equipment with a new substantial order.


The SIG 716 is designed to deliver exceptional performance in a variety of military and security contexts, thanks to its robust design and capability to fire the 7.62x51mm NATO caliber. This caliber choice makes it ideal for long-range engagements, while also having the capability to penetrate tougher targets than those typically engaged with smaller calibers. Its gas piston system enhances reliability and reduces maintenance needs, a significant advantage in hostile environments or during extended operations. Additionally, the modularity of the SIG 716 allows for easy adaptation to various roles through the simple addition of accessories on its Picatinny rail, making this rifle extremely versatile for armed forces and specialized tactical units. The ergonomics of the weapon also ensure easy and quick handling, crucial for responsiveness and effectiveness in combat situations.


The SIG 716 is favored by various military and security entities around the world for its robust performance and reliability. In the United States, it is used by certain special forces units as well as local police departments. In India, the army has extensively integrated the SIG 716 into its ranks, particularly for troops operating in mountainous areas and critical border regions, replacing older equipment with this more modern model. In Germany, the rifle has found its place among some special forces units who value its firepower and adaptability. The Colombian national police, facing complex security challenges, also rely on the SIG 716 for their anti-terrorism operations and guerrilla warfare. These diverse uses demonstrate the versatility and reliability of the SIG 716, which is used as a DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle), a medium-range precision rifle, or as an individual long-range weapon useful in mountain combat or areas with vast open spaces.

Ron Cohen, President and CEO of SIG SAUER, Inc., expressed his pride in being a key partner in the modernization efforts of the Indian Army, which is the second-largest army in the world. According to him, the strength of the partnership with the Indian Ministry of Defence and the renewed trust in SIG SAUER products are testaments to the quality and performance of the SIG716 on the field.

This new order also echoes recent border incidents between Indian and Pakistani, as well as Chinese, frontiers, where tensions have been rising over the past several months.


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