What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
US firm SIG SAUER announced that India’s Ministry of Defence has placed an order for 73,000 SIG716 rifles
NEW DELHI: Just a day after a telephone call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, American weapons manufacturer SIG SAUER announced that India’s Ministry of Defence has placed an order for 73,000 SIG716 rifles.
“SIG SAUER, Inc. is honored to confirm a second procurement contract with the Government of India’s Ministry of Defence to deliver an additional 73,000 SIG716 rifles,” the U.S. firm stated.
This marks India’s second procurement order with SIG SAUER in five years. According to the company, the Indian government ordered 72,400 rifles from the company in 2019. With the new deal, over 145,000 SIG716 rifles will be in service with the Indian Army.
Out of the initial 72,400 rifles, 66,400 were allocated to the Army, 4,000 to the Air Force, and 2,000 to the Navy. Originally intended for frontline troops only, the Indian Army later decided to equip all of its more than 400 infantry battalions with these rifles.
Ron Cohen, President and CEO of SIG SAUER, expressed pride in continuing the partnership with the Indian Army, stating, “We are proud to be a partner in the modernization effort of the Indian Army, and prouder still that the SIG716 rifle achieves the Ministry of Defence’s modernization goals with the second largest army in the world.”
Cohen further emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that the SIG716 rifles are not only designed and built for the Indian Army but also for customers in the United States.
The company reported exceptional feedback on the SIG716 rifle, highlighting its reliability and performance.“Since the initial fielding of the SIG716, we have received phenomenal end-user feedback on the performance and reliability of the platform. Throughout this time, we have strengthened and further solidified our partnership with the Indian Ministry of Defence and are honored to earn their continued trust equiping their frontline infantrymen,” Sig Sauer stated.
ALSO READ: Delhi Police launch investigation into CJI impersonation row
The rifle features a 16-inch barrel, M-LOK™ handguard, and a 6-position telescoping stock, designed to meet the rigorous demands of frontline combat. The overwhelmingly positive response from the initial deployment played a crucial role in securing the follow-on order.
During the telephonic conversation, the two leaders expressed their “shared concern” over recent developments in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the safety of minorities. They also addressed the situation in Ukraine, with Prime Minister Modi providing President Biden an update on his recent visit to Kyiv, according to the PMO statement.
