The Indian Air Force (IAF) signed a deal to procure 70,000 AK-103 assault rifles from Russia. The contract signed by the IAF is emergency provisions to replace INSAS rifles. AK-103 rifles are expected to come within the next few months into the service. As per reports, the force has a requirement of 1.5 lakh rifles. The entire contract reportedly is around Rs 300 crore. It was signed last week. IAF Inducts Rafale Aircraft Into 101 Squadron at Air Force Station Hasimara, Second After ‘Golden Arrows’.
“The contract worth around Rs 300 crore was signed last week under emergency provisions to buy 70,000 AK-103 assault rifles from Russia. The weapons would be first provided to troops in field areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar along with sensitive air bases,” reported news agency ANI quoting government sources as saying.
As per reports, India is likely to sign another contract with Russia to procure more advanced AK-203. This contract will be processed under the Indian Army. The Army has requirement of 6.5 lakh rifles. Notably, AK-13 rifles are in service with the Indian Navy. Marine Commandos, deployed at Jammu And Kashmir’s Wular Lake, use AK-103. IAF Inducts Light Bullet Proof Vehicles to Strengthen Airbase Security Against Terrorist Attacks.
Notably, after the standoff with China at the Eastern Ladakh sector, India has increased the speed of modernisation of the defence forces. Soldiers serving at the border areas with China have already been provided with 1.5 lakh American Sig Sauers. The Centre has also provided over 16,000 Negev Light Machine Guns to the troops deployed at forward areas.
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