India enhances border security with purchase of 73,000 assault rifles

India has signed a contract with the US for the supply of 73,000 SIG-Sauer-716 Patrol automatic assault rifles using 7.62×51 mm calibre cartridges compliant with NATO standards, a military source has said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Indian media.

“The SIG-Sauer-716 Patrol rifles with a range of 500 metres are intended to arm army units deployed on India's borders with China and Pakistan,” the source added.

The contract was signed within the framework of the accelerated military procurement programme implemented by the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Earlier, New Delhi and Washington signed the first deal providing for the supply of 72,400 SIG-716 rifles. The production of ammunition for these rifles is fully provided by the Indian military-industrial complex.