India Expands Infantry Firepower: SIG SAUER to Deliver Additional 73,000 SIG716 Rifles to the Indian Army

SIG SAUER has secured a follow-on procurement contract with the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply an additional 73,000 SIG716 rifles, further bolstering the Indian Army's firepower. With this new contract, the total number of SIG716 rifles in service with the Indian Army will reach a substantial 145,400, enhancing the combat capabilities of one of the largest armed forces in the world.

The initial deal was inked in 2019 when the MoD ordered 72,400 SIG716 rifles as part of a broader push to modernize the Indian infantry's small arms. The rifles were met with positive feedback from frontline soldiers due to their superior performance, reliability, and rugged design. The success of the initial deployment laid the foundation for this expanded order, solidifying the relationship between SIG SAUER and the Indian defense establishment.

The SIG716 rifle is an advanced AR-10 platform chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. It features a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel that offers enhanced accuracy and range, making it ideal for modern combat scenarios. The rifle is equipped with an M-LOK handguard for better modularity, allowing soldiers to attach accessories such as grips, lights, and lasers. The six-position telescoping stock provides adaptability based on the user's needs, ensuring comfort and stability during operations.

One of the standout aspects of the SIG716 is its gas-piston operating system. Unlike direct impingement systems commonly found in standard AR platforms, the piston system in the SIG716 runs cooler and cleaner, reducing the chances of carbon buildup and ensuring more reliable functioning in harsh conditions. Additionally, the rifle is designed to handle the rigors of combat while maintaining accuracy, a key requirement for the Indian Army's high-altitude and diverse terrain deployments.

Ron Cohen, President and CEO of SIG SAUER, expressed pride in contributing to the modernization of the Indian Army. "We are honored to continue our partnership with the Indian Ministry of Defence, and this additional procurement underscores the trust they have placed in our SIG716 platform," Cohen stated. He also highlighted the positive feedback received from Indian soldiers regarding the rifle’s performance during live operations.

The rifles supplied under this contract will continue to be produced in the United States, following the same high manufacturing standards that have made SIG SAUER a trusted name in the global defense sector. The enhanced AR design, combined with the firepower of a 7.62x51mm cartridge, positions the SIG716 as a formidable choice for the Indian Army’s infantry units, particularly those engaged in counter-insurgency and high-intensity conflict zones.

With this expanded acquisition, the Indian Army is taking another significant step toward achieving its long-term modernization goals. The induction of these rifles will provide soldiers with greater lethality, improved accuracy, and better adaptability across varied combat environments.