By – Shresth

Introduction

The Indian Armed Forces are undergoing modernisation and one important aspect of this transition is replacing its ageing INSAS rifles with more modern and effective assault weapons. This article analyses the factors driving this change, evaluates potential solutions, and highlights the challenges associated with the procurement process.

INSAS has been the standard issued rifle of Indian forces for over 2 decades, armed forces have used other great rifles like Sig Sauer 716, AK 47, AK 74, AK 201 etc. but only in small numbers, INSAS has remained the primary assault rifle for all forces including various paramilitary forces and state police forces. However It is considered that INSAS is not an effective killing machine due to multiple reasons as mentioned below.

• Operational Shortcomings: The INSAS rifle, introduced over two decades ago, suffers from reliability issues such as jamming, overheating, an automatic mode switch from single to burst mode and cracks in the magazine. In a notable incident in 2005, Maoists overran a Nepalese army base, resulting in 43 soldiers killed, with complaints of INSAS rifles overheating and malfunctioning. However the complaints in INSAS emerged not only because of its long serving period but there were active complaints even in the Kargil war in 1999.
• Calibre Inadequacy: The 5.56 x 45mm NATO calibre of INSAS ammunition offers insufficient stopping power against modern body armour.
• Technological Obsolescence: Advancements in battlefield technology necessitate rifles with enhanced targeting capabilities and integration with modern equipment. INSAS design does not cover all the parameters of a modern firearm, even of those which were introduced during 1999.

After decades, Indian armed forces are going with other effective and necessary options replacing the indigenous INSAS by acquiring new assault rifles. India’s current procurement strategy for assault rifles prioritises the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative. This approach emphasises the domestic production of new firearms for the Indian armed forces, even if the technology originates from international firearm manufacturers.

Kalashnikov

Russian-origin rifles from the Kalashnikov family such as AK-47, AK-74, AK-M, and AK-201 are already in service with Indian forces for a long time and are the first choice for soldiers serving on the frontline due to their reliability in all-weather conditions and stopping power. As Indian forces started the quest to replace the INSAS rifle, the AK-203 emerged as the best option, meeting all the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The government decided to phase out the INSAS in July 2018. The plan was to initially import a batch of AK-203s to meet immediate needs, followed by domestic production to achieve self-sufficiency and boost the Indian defence sector under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. A joint venture with Russia to produce a 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov variant, was the chosen option. However, delays due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and concerns about technology transfer costs have cast doubt on this plan. The current situation has forced India to explore other possibilities.

Sig Sauer 716 was chosen by the Indian Army as an option to meet the immediate needs due to their reliability and longer range. In 2019, the Indian military acquired 72,400 Sig Sauer 7.62 x 51 mm rifles to address immediate needs. Chosen for its ruggedness, reliability, and 600 – metre range, the Sig Sauer rifles were augmented with local night vision systems, grips, bipods, and Indian-made ammunition. A second procurement of 72,000 rifles followed, initially intended for frontline troops along the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control. However, a revised plan now involves equipping approximately 100 soldiers in all infantry battalions, regardless of deployment status.

Another option that got highlighted during 2023 was upgrading existing INSAS rifles with improved features and is being considered as a temporary solution for non-frontline units. On the other hand, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a new indigenous 7.62x51mm assault rifle namedUgram. This option offers greater firepower and indigenous production potential.

In future battlefields, warfare is undergoing a radical transformation, evident in the rapidly changing dynamics witnessed in conflicts like Ukraine. Advancements in technology, such as precise geolocation, battlefield awareness, instant communications, and standoff weapons, are reshaping the battlefield. By 2040, militaries may no longer require massive force concentrations to achieve objectives. This shift will necessitate a rapid metamorphosis in infantry tactics, moving away from traditional extended-line assaults with fixed bayonets. Rifle selection is crucial as rifles introduced now will likely remain in service until 2040.

What Made AK-203 the best choice for Indian Forces?

In 2018, the Indian army went for the AK-203 program, designed and developed by Russia’s Kalashnikov and in January 2019, an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) was signed between India and Russia.  Initially planned to import 800,000 AK-203s for around $1,100 (Rs 81,000) per rifle to meet the army’s urgent operational needs, followed by the licensed production of the remaining 650,000 units at the Indo-Russian Rifle Private Limited (IRRPL) rifle manufacturing facility in Amethi. Technical specifications of the rifle are as mentioned below:

• ACTION – Gas-operated, rotating bolt
• WEIGHT – 3.8 KG
• LENGTH (FOLDED BUTT) – 690 mm
• LENGTH (EXTENDED BUTT) – 930 mm
• RATE OF FIRE – 700 rounds/minute
• MUZZLE VELOCITY – 715 meters/second
• EFFECTIVE FIRING RANGE – 800 meters
• FEED SYSTEM – 30 rounds detachable box magazine

This weapon system has adjustable open iron sights and Picatinny rails for different types of day /night optical sights as attachments. This Assault Rifle is more ergonomic thanks to features like a folding and adjustable buttstock, a windowed and rifled magazine, and a pistol grip. The variety of 7.62mm ammunition types allows the operator to be combat-ready and efficient against different targets. It can be mounted with an under-barrel grenade launcher or a bayonet, and all models have quick-detachable tactical sound suppressors.

However, with the war, the AK-203 is also posing hurdles like financial constraints and the issue of indigenous components, the high cost of royalty and transfer of technology rendered the project financially untenable, especially compared to the alternative foreign weapons available to the armed forces. Three foreign-made assault rifles could be procured for the cost of one indigenously made AK-203 rifle.

CONCLUSION

The Indian Army’s assault rifle modernisation program faces a complex balancing act. While the government prioritises fostering a self-sufficient domestic defence industry (Atmanirbhar Bharat), delays in indigenous development may necessitate faster acquisition through imports. This creates a tension between long-term strategic goals and immediate operational needs. Furthermore, integrating a mix of rifle systems with varying calibres introduces logistical and training burdens. Indian government recently wanted to acquire an assault rifle which will have the capacity of both 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm, this unnecessary distraction wasted a lot of time in the procurement process. Ideally, a standardised platform with a common ammunition type would streamline operations. Achieving this while navigating the historically slow pace of Indian military procurement requires a more efficient selection process to ensure national security is not compromised.

In conclusion, a careful evaluation of operational requirements, technological advancements, and cost-effectiveness is paramount for selecting the optimal solution. The program’s success hinges on finding a way to bridge the gap between the aspirations of indigenous production and the urgency of equipping soldiers with modern weaponry.