The Indian Army fields a diverse array of small arms and support weapons to meet the demands of modern warfare. From the close-quarters precision of handguns to the long-range destructive power of mortars, each category plays a vital role in ensuring our soldiers maintain the tactical edge.
Personal Sidearms and Close-Quarters Weapons
At the point of engagement, speed and reliability matter most:
- Handguns:
- Pistol Variants: Semi-automatic pistols such as the Glock 17, Browning Hi-Power, and the indigenously developed Auto Pistol–XL serve as backup weapons for officers and vehicle crews.
- Revolvers: Aging inventory like the Enfield Revolver is gradually phased out in favor of higher-capacity semi-autos.
- Submachine Guns (SMGs):
- Uzi and MP5: Compact, fully automatic carbines firing 9×19mm rounds excel in vehicle patrols and VIP protection.
- Local Innovations: Trials of the Modern Sub-Machine Carbine (MSMC) seek to replace older models with improved ergonomics and firepower.
Rifles and Assault Weapons
From open battlefields to urban centers, infantry rifles form the backbone of combat units:
- Assault Rifles:
- INSAS (India Small Arms System): Once ubiquitous, the 5.56×45mm INSAS is now complemented by imported rifles like Russia’s AK-203 and Belgium’s FN-SCAR.
- Tavor TAR-21 (X95): Tested for mountain and jungle warfare, this bullpup design offers improved maneuverability.
- Battle and Designated Marksman Rifles:
- Dragunov SVD: A semi-automatic 7.62×54mm rifle grants squads extended reach for precision engagements.
- Heckler & Koch G3: Although largely retired, it remains in reserve stocks for specialized roles.
Support Firepower
Suppressive and indirect fire weapons deliver overwhelming force when needed:
- Machine Guns:
- General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs): The PKM (Russia) and Nirbheek LMG (India-made) provide sustained suppressive fire on bipods and tripods.
- Heavy Machine Guns: The Browning M2 .50-caliber mount excels at anti-material tasks.
- Sniper Rifles:
- AWM and Barrett M82: For anti-personnel and anti-equipment missions, these high-caliber rifles deliver pinpoint accuracy at extreme ranges.
- Grenades and Mortars:
- Hand Grenades: The Pineapple-style defensive grenade and modern Dual Action Hand Grenade (DAHG) equip each infantryman.
- Mortars: Light 60 mm and medium 81 mm mortars furnish platoon-level indirect fire, while the 120 mm mortar system supports battalion-scale firepower.
Home-Grown and Global Collaboration
India’s defense industry, led by DRDO and the Ordnance Factory Board, continues to innovate with projects like the INSAS modernization and indigenous stun-grenade designs. At the same time, strategic partnerships with Russia, the United States, and European allies ensure ongoing access to cutting-edge small arms and support weapons.
With this blend of domestic development and international procurement, the Indian Army maintains a balanced and effective weapons portfolio. Each family of arms, from pistols and carbines to machine guns and mortars, plays a distinct role in safeguarding the nation, reflecting a doctrine that values versatility, reliability, and continuous modernization.
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