Small Arms & Tactical Equipment

via Shatrujeet

From the 3rd leg of the Chindits Expedition....quarter-zip uniforms, but in the old DPM-esque camoflague.

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via ADGPI Twitter handle and thanks to @Abingdonboy for the find!

These pictures are from the Indian Army's ongoing Chindits Trial Expedition flagged off by Lieutenant General DR Soni on February 16 (the expedition will conclude on March the 8th). The expedition is done to commemorate the spirit of the Indian troops deployed on the Burma front during the Second World War.

Of note are the quarter-zip uniforms (in Woodland MARPAT camoflague, same as worn by US Marines), who's status is currently unknown (to me at least) - are these the forerunners of future standard uniform of the Indian Army? Or is this gear procured only for the purpose of this expedition? I guess time will tell:

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More via ADGPI Facebook page (Phase-I of the expedition):

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Yet to establish which particular unit these soldiers are from....although the 56 Armored Regiment is the only one known as "Lion Hearts" as far as I know.

@Hellfire @Milspec @GuardianRED @Ashwin @randomradio @vstol Jockey @Shashank @Vergennes @Himanshu
Nickpicking - Shouldn't it be form fitting or Is it due to the nature and Terrain that lose fitting is preferred?
 
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via Shatrujeet

From the 3rd leg of the Chindits Expedition....quarter-zip uniforms, but in the old DPM-esque camoflague.

28685769_867256960114507_2442615174962113621_n.jpg

28795630_867256923447844_6027836672855824927_n.jpg

28661067_867257063447830_1474197544698293619_n.jpg

Observations

- Pretty much a First time seeing an actual Pic of the use of MREs in the field! But this look like only the main meals for the whole squad and not Individuals packs like those used in the west

- Anyone can recognize the insignia on the Caps wore?
 
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M1101A1 CSASS: The US Army's New DMR
M110A1_new_HK_7-62mm_semi-automatic_sniper_rifle_at_AUSA_2017_925_001.jpg


U.S. Army Squads Getting New Marksman Rifles
The new rifle is the same weapon issued to army snipers.

The U.S. Army has chosen a new rifle designed to allow infantry squads to hit targets at greater ranges. The Heckler and Koch G28 designated marksman rifle will give infantrymen a weapon guaranteed to penetrate enemy body armor at longer ranges than existing M4 carbines. The move is an acknowledgement that the Army could someday fight enemies equipped with advanced body armor, which is part of the Army’s reorientation to the world of conflicts between large powers.

Shortly after the invasion of Iraq, U.S. Navy SEALs began deploying to the country armed with the “new” M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle. The M14 EBR was an older M14 battle rifle accurized, fitted with a new chassis, and equipped with a bipod and long-range scope. The EBR was designed to provide long-range fire where M4 carbine-type rifles fell short.

The U.S. Army later jumped on the bandwagon, fielding EBRs in Iraq and Afghanistan. The rifles were generally issued to soldiers with a higher level of marksman training, who could provide security as the rest of their unit went about their business or pick out and eliminate specific threats.

7c1f278b14558baabd1884e8e75d6129.jpg

The Mk.14 EBR, in hands of an Air Force Pararescue Jumper

The EBR was a stopgap solution. It was ergonomically unfriendly, being front-heavy, and its antiquated operating system made it difficult for shooters to maintain accuracy. The Army has been looking for a new rifle, a Designated Marksman Rifle, to replace the EBR and maintain a nine man infantry squad’s ability to shoot beyond the effective range of the M4. Another concern is that while Iraqi and Afghan insurgents didn’t have battle armor, potential enemies such as Russian and Chinese infantrymen do.

The Army picked the Heckler and Koch G28 semi-automatic rifle in 2016 as a compact weapon to equip sniper units. The G28 is basically a Heckler and Koch 416 infantry automatic rifle used by the U.S. Marine Corps scaled upward for the 7.62x51 cartridge. The weapon, designated the M110A1 in Army use features a 16.5-inch barrel, a 20-round translucent magazine, and weighs 15 lbs. It also features a Schmidt & Bender 3-20×50 PMII Ultra Short telescopic sight and a Harris bipod for precision shooting.

ABA5C741-76E0-43ED-96B6-5D88AC1785BF.jpg

M38 DMR of the USMC; an M27 IAR light support weapon converted into a Marksman rifle with the addition of a 8x variable power Leupold TS-30A2 Mark 4MR/T scope. The M27 is based on the Heckler & Koch HK416 - the 5.56x45mm cousin of the G28 a.k.a HK417.

Heckler and Koch claims the rifle is accurate to within 1.5 minute of angle out to 600 meters. In other words, three well-aimed shots from the rifle will fall within a 1.5 inch diameter circle at 100 meters, and within a 9-inch circle at 600 meters. The average human male is eighteen inches wide at the shoulders, making the rifle more than capable of shots to the rough center of torso at that range. H&K further claims the G28 is capable of suppressive fire out to 800 meters.

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HK G28 - In the original German Army-spec

As a sniper rifle equipping snipers, the G28 will be deadly effective at long ranges. As a designated marksman’s rifle it will be potentially just as lethal, though issued with less accurate ammunition and issued to soldiers not trained to sniper standards. Designated marksmen will probably be an infantry squad’s best shooter, but they won’t be capable of—or asked to score—sniper-style shots.

The U.S. Army plans to purchase up to 5,000 G28 rifles to function in the DMR role, in addition to up to 3,643 rifles in the sniper role. In 2016, the cost per M110A1 was quoted as approximately $12,000 each, with the price tag of the Schmidt and Bender scope easily a third of that.

U.S. Army Squads Getting New Marksman Rifles

@Hellfire @Milspec @Abingdonboy @GuardianRED
 
M1101A1 CSASS: The US Army's New DMR
M110A1_new_HK_7-62mm_semi-automatic_sniper_rifle_at_AUSA_2017_925_001.jpg


U.S. Army Squads Getting New Marksman Rifles

The new rifle is the same weapon issued to army snipers.

The U.S. Army has chosen a new rifle designed to allow infantry squads to hit targets at greater ranges. The Heckler and Koch G28 designated marksman rifle will give infantrymen a weapon guaranteed to penetrate enemy body armor at longer ranges than existing M4 carbines. The move is an acknowledgement that the Army could someday fight enemies equipped with advanced body armor, which is part of the Army’s reorientation to the world of conflicts between large powers.

Shortly after the invasion of Iraq, U.S. Navy SEALs began deploying to the country armed with the “new” M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle. The M14 EBR was an older M14 battle rifle accurized, fitted with a new chassis, and equipped with a bipod and long-range scope. The EBR was designed to provide long-range fire where M4 carbine-type rifles fell short.

The U.S. Army later jumped on the bandwagon, fielding EBRs in Iraq and Afghanistan. The rifles were generally issued to soldiers with a higher level of marksman training, who could provide security as the rest of their unit went about their business or pick out and eliminate specific threats.

7c1f278b14558baabd1884e8e75d6129.jpg

The Mk.14 EBR, in hands of an Air Force Pararescue Jumper

The EBR was a stopgap solution. It was ergonomically unfriendly, being front-heavy, and its antiquated operating system made it difficult for shooters to maintain accuracy. The Army has been looking for a new rifle, a Designated Marksman Rifle, to replace the EBR and maintain a nine man infantry squad’s ability to shoot beyond the effective range of the M4. Another concern is that while Iraqi and Afghan insurgents didn’t have battle armor, potential enemies such as Russian and Chinese infantrymen do.

The Army picked the Heckler and Koch G28 semi-automatic rifle in 2016 as a compact weapon to equip sniper units. The G28 is basically a Heckler and Koch 416 infantry automatic rifle used by the U.S. Marine Corps scaled upward for the 7.62x51 cartridge. The weapon, designated the M110A1 in Army use features a 16.5-inch barrel, a 20-round translucent magazine, and weighs 15 lbs. It also features a Schmidt & Bender 3-20×50 PMII Ultra Short telescopic sight and a Harris bipod for precision shooting.

ABA5C741-76E0-43ED-96B6-5D88AC1785BF.jpg

M38 DMR of the USMC; an M27 IAR light support weapon converted into a Marksman rifle with the addition of a 8x variable power Leupold TS-30A2 Mark 4MR/T scope. The M27 is based on the Heckler & Koch HK416 - the 5.56x45mm cousin of the G28 a.k.a HK417.

Heckler and Koch claims the rifle is accurate to within 1.5 minute of angle out to 600 meters. In other words, three well-aimed shots from the rifle will fall within a 1.5 inch diameter circle at 100 meters, and within a 9-inch circle at 600 meters. The average human male is eighteen inches wide at the shoulders, making the rifle more than capable of shots to the rough center of torso at that range. H&K further claims the G28 is capable of suppressive fire out to 800 meters.

tumblr_nq0962Ic2s1syjtupo5_1280.jpg

HK G28 - In the original German Army-spec

As a sniper rifle equipping snipers, the G28 will be deadly effective at long ranges. As a designated marksman’s rifle it will be potentially just as lethal, though issued with less accurate ammunition and issued to soldiers not trained to sniper standards. Designated marksmen will probably be an infantry squad’s best shooter, but they won’t be capable of—or asked to score—sniper-style shots.

The U.S. Army plans to purchase up to 5,000 G28 rifles to function in the DMR role, in addition to up to 3,643 rifles in the sniper role. In 2016, the cost per M110A1 was quoted as approximately $12,000 each, with the price tag of the Schmidt and Bender scope easily a third of that.

U.S. Army Squads Getting New Marksman Rifles

@Hellfire @Milspec @Abingdonboy @GuardianRED
12G seems a little steep for what essentially is a AR10 type arrangement with SS piston instead of DI. But then again the S&B scope is close to 4G's. even then the 8k for a AR10 is quite steep.
 
12G seems a little steep for what essentially is a AR10 type arrangement with SS piston instead of DI. But then again the S&B scope is close to 4G's. even then the 8k for a AR10 is quite steep.

How much is the price difference between the HK416/417 platforms and more contemporary AR-15/10 platforms from, say, Colt?
 
How much is the price difference between the HK416/417 platforms and more contemporary AR-15/10 platforms from, say, Colt?
Colt Ar15's start from $1000 while 416 afaik around $2800, I dont think colt makes an ar10, Armalite Ar10 is around 2k while 417's might be around $4500.
While if you build from kits, Ar15 can be built around $600-800 while $AR10 can start around $700
 
Shatrujeet has uploaded a video of the TAML BPJ on their YouTube page:


@Ashwin @Abingdonboy @Milspec @Hellfire @GuardianRED @Shashank @Aashish @Vergennes

The way most infantry vests in the West (such as the US Army's Improved Outer Tactical Vest or IOTV) work is that at their base they constitute of nothing but the bare-bones plate carrier & padding. But they come with the MOLLE retention system which allows the wearer to configure his vest the way he wants, or as per his role's requirements (for example a Rifleman is equipped differently from a Marksman or MG gunner). The wearer can decide if he wants 4 mag pouches or maybe 2 mag pouches and a utility pouch and/or a medical kit or otherwise...options are endless. But with the TAML BPJ seen in this video, the MOLLE system is not there. This means while it is possible for the vest to come in different configurations from the factory - it's not possible to change anything on the field as per user's requirement or liking. That, I believe is the biggest drawback I see in this model. But credit must be given where it's due - this BPJ represents a quantum leap in the way the average Indian infantry soldier would be equipped & protected. And that's a considerable development.

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Example of IOTV without any add-on pouches

After being kitted out as per need:

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Not sure about power and convenience of use but design and build looks very neat.


What I still don't get is how OFB managed to do better weight-reduction on the MAG platform than what's been managed on the US adaptation of the same gun: the M240. I mean, the damn thing is actually lighter than the new M240LW prototype from Barrett! But still I stick with my original assertion that 9.4 kgs is too heavy for an LMG. For an MMG/GPMG it is excellent. In comparison the Negev NG7 weighs around 7.95 kg and NG7-SF with shorter barrel is 7.8 kgs.

I'm still of the opinion that OFB is trying to push off a trimmed GPMG as an LMG - and I won't be surprised if it doesn't work.

The weight figure also leads me to question: did they cheap out somewhere? We know the OFB 'LMG' doesn't come with a barrel shroud/handguard but unlikely all that weight saving came from that. I'm thinking barrel. Heavier barrels require less frequent replacement and its possible that could be the area OFB shaved weight off of. If it is, I guess only Army can decide if it works. If they employed some world-beating metallurgy to reduce weight of the receiver & action itself, then I'd like to know what that is.

That said - let's talk about the feed. For an MMG/GPMG a free-hanging belt of ~30-40 rounds or a belt drawn directly from the ammo case might work - what with their role being usually to fire from a static/fortified position...at least nowhere near the type of movement associated with LMG gunners like those with M249s or INSAS LMG here. And even then many US troops equipped with the M240B actually do carry an attached Combat Ammo Pack (50-round) or larger containers.

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For an LMG, having an attached container might just be more important. It would be nice if OFB at least provides that as an option. But so far in any exhibition or otherwise we have not seen anything like that.
 
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Heckler & Koch HK433

Heckler & Koch's New Combat Rifle Tries to Blend the Best Features of Existing Designs
The firm hopes the gun's mix of elements from its G36 and HK416 rifles, as well as other manufacturers' guns, will get the German Army interested.
BY JOSEPH TREVITHICK
JANUARY 26, 2018
A year after revealing its existence, German small arms manufacturer Heckler and Koch has brought examples of its new HK433 to the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. H&K is now investing heavily in the modular gun, which combines many of the best features of the company's existing G36 and HK416, as well as other popular designs, hoping it will win over the German Army.

Heckler and Koch quietly unveiled the gun in January 2017 and showed it to a select group of journalists in that year's SHOT show. The HK 433 is now one of four different assault rifle patterns the company makes, including its earlier G36, which is the German Army’s present standard rifle, and its newer HK416 series, a derivative of the American AR-15/M16 pattern. The company also makes a rifle called the HK233, which is related to the G36, but features a system that allows the user to change the length of the barrel with relative ease.

“The new HK433 … combines the strengths and outstanding features of the G36 and the HK416 families of assault rifles – both proven worldwide,” the company’s website boasts. “It doesn’t matter at all whether you are right or left-handed or have trained on a G36 / HK416 weapon system or AR-15 platform: The HK433 is the solution for every scenario imaginable.”

That’s a typically outlandish marketing claim, but it doesn’t mean H&K hasn’t worked hard to make the gun as easy to adapt to different roles as possible. Unlike many of its past rifles, the HK 433 is a distinctly modular design with an emphasis on ergonomics and overall compact dimensions.

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Without the need for any special tools, a user can swap out the barrel for one of a different length, making the weapon much more versatile for different mission sets. So far, the available barrels range from an 11-inch compact type to a 20-inch one suitable for turning the weapon into a marksman rifle.

H&K also designed the gun so that users can rapidly change to different calibers with a simple conversion kit that would include at least a new bolt and carrier assembly, barrel, and lower receiver assembly. The basic upper receiver shell can accept those different options without needing any other changes and has an ejection port that is wide and long enough to function properly with various different types of cartridges.

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The various barrel lengths already available for the HK 433

The main variant the company has put on display is an assault rifle chambered in the NATO-standard 5.56x45mm cartridge. However, the firm has said it may offer the weapons in the larger NATO-standard 7.62x51mm and the Soviet-developed 7.62x39mm, versions it is tentatively calling the HK 231 and HK 123 respectively. Another option could be the increasingly popular .300 Blackout, a specialized and highly adaptable cartridge that remains accurate and powerful even in very short-barreled guns and can be had in subsonic form, which you can read more about here.

The existing 5.56x45mm version of the HK433 also uses NATO-standard magazines, which will allow it to use the same ones as any AR-15/M16 pattern weapon or derivatives such as the HK416, as well as many other combat rifles. H&K has also offered a conversion kit that allows G36 rifles to do this, as well. As such, compatible magazines are already widely available to potential customers, which could be an important cost-saving selling point and interoperability feature.

On top of that, the HK433 has a number of basic features either inspired by or lifted directly from the company’s G36 and HK416 patterns. It also appears to be a product of some of the company’s other past efforts, such as its stillborn XM8 rifle for the U.S. Army, which had a similar modular design with elements taken from various successful guns, again including the G36 and the AR-15/M16 pattern.

The new HK433 uses a physical gas piston to cycle the action, as do both the G36 and HK416. This helps keep particulate matter away from vital internal components and reduces the likelihood that the gun might jam if it goes without routine cleaning for an extended period of time.


As with G36 and HK416, it also has an ambidextrous magazine release and selector switch to change the gun’s firing mode between safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. HK says it will offer those controls in the exact same styles as the existing weapons, making it easier for troops presently using either one to transition to the new rifle.

Unlike the AR-15/M16 but much like other popular combat rifles including the FN SCAR, the HK433 features a charging handle on the side of the upper receiver. This handle folds flush so as not to snag on things but is only on one side. The user can move it to the left or right relatively easily though. It takes an entire new upper receiver to have the gun eject shell casings to the left rather than the right, but a large deflector would likely keep the brass out a shooter’s face either way.

The gun’s buttstock completely folds to one side and has a wide range of length of pull adjustments, a big improvement over AR-15/M16 pattern rifles, and it includes an adjustable cheek rest to alter the cheek weld to the individual soldier. The latter feature can be an important issue, especially when using different kinds of optics, which might sit higher than typical iron sights. Shooters can swap out the pistol grips to give them the most ergonomic grip and the grip's overall design is borrowed from the shape of the one found on HK416 which has proven to be very popular. .

It also has accessory rails all along the top of the rifle and underneath the handguard, as well as other attachment points along the side using the KeyMod system that American company VLTOR Weapon Systems developed. These two mechanisms will accept a wide array of different accessories, including grenade launchers, visible and infrared aiming lasers, flashlights, bipods, and vertical foregrips. It seems likely H&K could offer other mounting options, too, such as U.S. manufacturer Magpul's increasingly popular M-LOK arrangement.

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An HK 433 with a magnifying optic and 40mm grenade launcher

This level of modularity and ease in adding or removing accessories has long been a major selling point for the AR-15/M16 pattern and its derivatives. Other manufacturers have been pursuing similar new multi-purpose designs, such as Belgian firm FN Herstal’s SCAR family, which is in service with U.S. special operations forces, among others. The HK 433 has drawn direct visual and functional comparisons to the American Magpul Masada, another modular rifle concept that has since passed to a shared production arrangement between the Remington and Bushmaster Companies. H&K is itself also offering the HK233, which is essentially modular G36 variant.

H&K is clearly betting on this combination of desirable features being especially appealing to the German Army, which is looking to choose a replacement for its entire inventory of G36s by 2019. Germany first adopted the polymer-clad gun, which was fairly exotic when it was unveiled, as its existing standard service rifle in 1997.

If the service chooses the HK 433, the firm may be able to suggest that the country’s special operation forces could also replace their HK 416 and larger 7.62x51mm HK 417 rifles with this new modular rifle. Just getting the G36 deal would be a major boon for the company.. The German Army has more than 160,000 G36s and the final contract would likely be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Other components of the German military and security apparatus also use the rifle and could be looking for replacements.

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A member of Germany's Kommandos Spezialkräfte der Marine (KSM) with a heavily accessorized G36

But despite being a favorite in the competition, H&K still faces significant competition, including from two other German manufacturers, Rheinmetalland Haenel. Those companies are offering AR-15/M16 derivatives that, like the HK416, use a gas-piston operating method, as is Swiss gun manufacturer Sig-Sauer. The final entrant is FN Herstal with its SCAR rifle.

It’s possible German authorities may look to go with another company after decades of choosing HK to supply its standard infantry rifles. The country’s government got into a dispute with the firm over reported problems with the G36 performing poorly in hot weather based on the country’s own experiences in Afghanistan and reports from other users.

The German government subsequently sued H&K for breach of contract. A national court eventually ruled in the company’s favor in 2016, but on a technicality, stating that the deals didn’t cover the alleged faults. The gun maker has denied its weapons suffered dramatic drops in accuracy after overheating or otherwise malfunctioned more than could be expected from typical use.


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German troops in Afghanistan with G36 rifles

If the German Army ultimately chooses another manufacturer, there are still a huge number of other military and police units around the globe that might be interested in replacing their rifles with H&K's ultimate offering. And after years of spurning civilian shooters, H&K has sought to court those markets again with semi-automatic-only versions of many of rifles, but it still has to contend with both American and German import and export laws.

Germany will reportedly wrap up tests of the different contenders for its particular competition by the end of 2018. H&K has made a strong case for the country’s Army to stick with it once again in the form of the HK433.

Contact the author: [email protected]

Heckler & Koch's New Combat Rifle Tries to Blend the Best Features of Existing Designs
 
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While going through the RSTV episode on NSG, I realized that this was the first time I saw tactical camera balls used by the NSG. These camera orbs are available from a range of manufacturers and provide a discreet way of observing a location prior to entry:

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Army upset over 7.62 mm assault rifle quality, OFB says ready for production

Kolkata: Close on the heels of the Modi government's clearance to procure around 7.40 lakhs assault rifles of 7.62 mm calibre which will replace the 5.56 mm calibre INSAS for the Indian Army, the Army has raised serious questions on the quality of the weapon being developed by the Kolkata headquartered state defence manufacturer Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).

Vowing not to compromise with the qualitative requirements (QR) for its weapons, the Army also pointed out that the assault rifle failed trials while deliberating that no one can meet its requirement in future.

The Army's concerns came after the OFB sounded its preparedness to start the assault rifles' production which is likely at Rifle Factory Ishapore in North 24 Parganas with the defence ministry assuming that it would take around three years to place the first order for procurement.

According to a Standing Committee on Defence report submitted to both the Houses of the parliament on March 13, defence production secretary Ajay Kumar told the parliamentary panel on the assault rifles, "Sir, I would like to tell that now in S.C. 7.6 mm best technology, 7.5 lakh assault rifles have been approved which will be made in the country. Whatever is the requirement of the Army, in that work of making about 7.5 lakh assault rifles will be done in the country. The OFB and Industries will build it together.”

On the status and time frame for the assault rifles' production he told the parliamentary panel, "In S.D.A.C. approval, it has been stated that the first order will be given in 2020-21."

Replying to the question of the assault rifles' order and production OFB Chairman Sunil Kumar Chourasia, who is also the Director General Ordnance Factories, told the panel, "I am ready for production. (Assault rifle is being developed in-house by this R&D in Rifle Factory, Ishapore. PMT has formed in it, in which Army is the representative of user quality, all are working together on this)."

The Army however explained why orders were yet to be placed even after the weapon was finalised. Its director general (Weapons & Equipment) Lieutenant General Sanjiv Verma told the panel, "Sir, this problem has been known for long years. The assault rifle or the carbine, which this Service is wanted, we have not been able to get. I just explain that. For the past few years, whatever trials have gone for the assault rifles and carbines, we were not satisfied with them. So, we have not been able to get the weapons...."

Lt Gen Verma elaborated, "Recently, in the Defence Acquisition Council, a very deliberate decision at the highest level has been taken on how to proceed with the eight lakh plus rifles and carbines which we wanted. In that, we have gone for certain quantity for the fast track procedure from import. But for the balance, that is, seven lakh plus, out of that, the Ordnance Factory Board is also going to participate. But, yes, Sir, like what you are pointing out, nobody is in a position to meet our requirement tomorrow. Sir, it is not up to my requirement. How can I give order?"

When the panel wanted to know about the QR and Ordnance Factories waiting for orders, Lt Gen Verma informed it that the Army has tried but the assault rifles failed in trials.

He said, "Sir, QRs have been given to them. It was tried and tested a number of times. But, unfortunately, it did not meet our QR. Sir, your point is very valid. For a rifle, I cannot have a diluted QR to be used on the frontline. So, what we are doing is that we are importing a certain quantity and for the rest, the work is in progress. Various prototypes of weapons have come to us for trials and they are being tested. It is not that we have not tested them."

Describing the QR as 'very stringent', defence secretary Sanjay Mitra later assured the panel that the OFB would acquire technology to 'make it up to the standards of Army's satisfaction.'


OFB looks at replacing ageing INSAS rifles; to get 1.86 lakh 7.62-mm automatic rifles

The Ordnance Factories Board(ODB) today said it was set to receive orders for around 1.86 lakh of its newly developed 7.62-mm automatic rifles from the Armyto replace the ageing INSAS rifles.

The Armyhas sought approximately 8 lakh 7.62x51 mm assault rifles, out of which 72,000 rifles will be immediately purchase through global tender, OFB member (Weapons, Vehicles and Equipment) Hari Mohansaid.

"Of the remaining nearly 7.3 lakh rifles, the armed forces will go for Request for Proposal (RFP) route from around the globe for 75 per cent of its requirement, while the OFB will get orders for the rest 25 per cent," he told newspersons here.

He said the OFB would also participate in the RFP tendering process.

OFB chairmanS K Chourasia said, "Ordnance factories would receive orders for approximately 1.86 lakh of the Army's 7.62 mm rifle requirement".

The nodal factory for the purpose would be Rifle Factory, Ishapore, West Bengal, he said.

"Trials for the newly developed rifle has been completed and the Armyis happy with the weapon," Mohan said.

He said further trials of the prototype developed by OFB in a larger scale will be done soon, following which production of the rifle will commence.

Chourasia said the Armyand paramilitary forces at present use the 5.56 mm INSAS rifles, which are mainly for the purpose of shooting to incapacitate.

"But now with the changing securityscenario and requirements, the Armyhas sought a rifle for 'shoot to kill' purpose to replace the INSAS," Chourasia said, adding the forces now need guns of higher calibre which are more lethal like the 7.62x51 mm assault rifles.

The INSAS rifles were introduced by OFB in 1992-93 and has undergone 23 improvements, with the latest version being the 1B1 model.

OFB member Saurav Kumarsaid the organisation had received orders of Rs 250 crore for exports of different weapons and equipments in 2017-18 and has so far supplied items worth Rs 190 crore.

He said the exports have been to Gulf and South-East Asian countries, but did not specify the countries to which the weapons were being sold owing to confidentiality reasons.

Speaking on the occasion of its 217th foundation day, Chourasia said the goal of OFB, which has achieved 87 per cent overall indigenisation, is of transformation from an importer to that of an exporter.

"There has been a paradigm shift in defence procurement in our country and we have to compete with the private sector to get orders for weaponry and other equipments," he said.

The OFB chairmansaid for the purpose of meeting the present day requirements, all the 41 ordnance factories spread across the country were being constantly upgraded with an emphasis on research and development.

Ordnance Factories Board(OFB) consisting of the Indian Ordnance Factories is an industrial organisation, functioning under the Department of Defence Production of Ministry of Defence.
 
This puts a lot of the ongoing/upcoming competitions (and the potential competitors for each of those requirements) into a certain perspective, thanks to the weight limitations being made clear. This also shows that the initial RFIs for assault rifles & sniper rifles were simply casting a wide net by specifying the weight as "light as possible". This here Technology Perspective & Capability Roadmap (TPCR) document provides a more concrete, comprehensive look at the actual limitations.

What follows are a compilation of my assessment of what I think could be the potential offerings on the market in these categories, starting off with the AMR (Anti-Material Rifle) weighing less than 12 kgs in 12.7mm calibre...of note is the fact that they only mention the diameter of the round and not the length, this signifies that they are open to both Western-style 12.7x99mm (.50 BMG) as well as Russian 12.7x108mm calibres. Eventhough there are no potential rifles I could foresee in this compilation that are anything other than the .50 BMG -

Barrett M95
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McMillan Firearms TAC-50A1
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SIG Sauer SIG50 (basically a SIG-made TAC-50 with certain changes)
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Gepard GM6 Lynx
GM6_1.jpg


Desert Tech HTI (Hard Target Interdiction) - probably one of the lightest (if not the lightest) AMR in .50BMG around
desert-tech-hti-50-bmg.png



A somewhat more tricky thing to acquire could be:

DSR-Precision DSR-50
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There is also the XM500 from Barrett, reportedly still in development though news regarding it is scarce. Given the unclear timeline (or availability) of this rifle, most likely it won't be offered. But it serves to know it exists:
Barrett_XM500.jpg

Forgot a very important prospective rifle that belongs in this list of .50 cal AMRs weighing in at 12kg or less....

Accuracy International AX50
AX50.jpg