Order for SIG 716 Rifles: Modernization Effort of the Indian Army

Syllabus: GS 3/ Defence 

In News 

• The Ministry of Defence signed a repeat order for 73,000 SIG716 rifles from Sig Sauer, with deliveries expected by the end of 2025.

Background 

• The Army previously procured 72,400 SIG-716 rifles through a ₹700 crore contract in February 2019.
• In September 2020, the Defence Acquisition Council approved a second batch of 72,400 SIG-716 rifles, though the deal faced delays before being revived.
• The Army initially planned to complement the SIG716 with Russian AK-203 rifles, but delays led to a repeat order for SIG716 rifles.
• The Indian Army aims to replace the INSAS rifles with a modern alternative, and SIG716 rifles were preferred due to their performance.

Modernisation of Defence Armed Forces

• It  involves the acquisition of platforms, technologies and weapon systems to upgrade and augment Defence capabilities and is a continuous process based on threat perception, operational necessities and technological changes to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness to meet the entire spectrum of security challenges.

Need and Objectives 

• The shift towards technology absorption responds to evolving global warfare trends and regional threats, particularly from China and Pakistan
• Addressing hybrid militancy in Kashmir and adapting to new forms of conflict.

Planning Process

• Equipment needs are planned through the Ten Years Integrated Capability Development Plan (ICDP), Five Years Defence Capability Acquisition Plan (DCAP), Annual Acquisition Plan (AAP), and discussions by the Defence Acquisition Council.

Initiatives and Focus 

• Technology Adoption: Emphasis on unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-drone systems, and advanced surveillance technologies, with a focus on cybersecurity.
  • The Indian Army (IA) is prioritizing technological absorption in 2024, building on last year’s transformation commitment.
• Key Upgrades: Integration of drones and counter-drone systems, establishment of Command Cyber Operations Support Wings (CCOSWs), and reorientation of artillery.
• Human Resource Expansion: Introduction of Agniveer recruits and creation of specialist officers in the Territorial Army, including cyber experts.
• Communication Enhancement: Induction of 2,500 Secure Army Mobile Bharat Version (SAMBHAV) handsets, with a goal of 35,000 for secure communication.
• DRDO Initiatives: DRDO has set up 5 Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs) to advance technology in AI, quantum technologies, cognitive technologies, asymmetric technologies, and smart materials.
• Industry Involvement: In March 2022, 18 major defence platforms were announced for industry-led design and development
• iDEX Scheme: The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme has been launched to involve start-ups and MSMEs in defence innovations.
• SRIJAN Portal: The SRIJAN portal facilitates indigenisation efforts by Indian industry and MSMEs.
• For FY 2024-25, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) received the highest allocation among ministries at Rs 6,21,940.85 crore (approx. US $75 billion).
• Additional Funding: An extra Rs 400 crore has been allocated for innovation in defence through the Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme.
  • The ADITI scheme aims to engage start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators to develop and supply innovative, indigenous defence technologies.

Conclusion and Future outlook

• Technology integration is seen as a gradual process requiring sustained effort and adaptation within the army’s operational framework.
• Initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDex) highlight collaboration with academia and industry, but systematic and long-term frameworks are needed.
• The army’s doctrine needs to evolve with technological advancements and changing warfare dynamics, incorporating lessons from recent global conflicts.
• Balancing tradition with innovation is critical for successful technological absorption, requiring careful management of integration complexities and alignment with national security needs

Source: TH