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Modelled on soldier modernisation programmes around the world, the F-INSAS system has three components — weapons, protective gear and a modern communication system — which would be upgraded later to provide the soldier with real-time connectivity. When armed with such equipment, a soldier’s combat ability increases manifold.

The first sub-system of F-INSAS is a modern state-of-art assault rifle (AK 203 with a range of 300 metres) along with day and night holographic and reflex sights. The sights are mounted on the weapon and also on the helmet to enable 360-degree visibility and accuracy in operational conditions.

In addition to the primary weapon, the soldiers will also be kitted with a multi-mode hand grenade which has been procured indigenously along with a multi-purpose knife for close-quarters combat. The grenade can be thrown in both offensive and defensive mode.

The second one is a protection system that shields the soldier through a specially designed helmet and a bulletproof jacket.

The bulletproof jacket to guard against AK-47 and 9 mm bullets. The helmet comes with a mounted night vision and there is also an option of integrating a thermal imager – both needed for fighting in low-light conditions. The third sub-system consists of a communication and surveillance system, which may be upgraded later to incorporate real-time data connectivity.

The AK-203 rifles will be manufactured at Korwa near Amethi in a Russia-India joint venture.

A contract for more than six lakh rifles was signed in December 2021 with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd.

The project, which began more than a decade ago, saw several turns and twists before reaching a stage where the system was handed over to the Indian Army at a ceremony in the presence of Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande.

The defence minister also handed over several other new machines and equipment to the army which would help the forces fight the Chinese troops on the Line of Actual Control.

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The tender said: “The MoD intends to procure quantity 29,762 Night Sight (II) for 7.62 x 51 mm assault rifles along with accessories for each assault rifle [lens cover, eye guard, cleaning kit, battery pack charger and quantity three sets of batteries (each set of batteries corresponds to number of batteries required to operate the night sight)].” As per the tender, 50 per cent of the content in the night sight will have to be Indian. The last date to submit the bid for this tender is September 27.

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The agreement was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India for a bilateral summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A special-purpose joint venture (JV) called Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL) will be carrying out the assault rifle project.

According to The Economic Times, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has signed contracts with his Russian counterpart General Sergey Shoigu to produce more than 600,000 AK-203 assault rifles through IRRPL.

The deal will value approximately $676m (Rs51bn).

The 7.62 X 39mm calibre rifles are expected to replace the in-service INSAS rifles that were introduced three decades ago.

Minister Singh said on Twitter: “Had a productive, fruitful and substantial bilateral discussions on defence cooperation with the Russian Defence Minister, General Sergey Shoigu in New Delhi today. India values its special and privileged strategic partnership with Russia.

“India deeply appreciates Russia’s strong support for India. We hope that our cooperation will bring peace, prosperity and stability to the entire region.

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