WEAPONS AT THE READY

The Indian army has replaced its rifles only twice—first after the 1962 border war with China and then in the 1990s. A third attempt is currently under way

1962

Army begins replacing 1895 vintage .303 SMLE rifles with 7.62 x 51 selfloading rifles after defeat in border war with China

1982

DRDO begins INSAS programme after army fields requirement for a lighter caliber

1987

First INSAS prototypes are fielded. Indian army purchases limited quantities of AK-47s for use in Sri Lanka and Punjab. Used as ‘sector stores’ by troops, a practice that continues

1998

INSAS rifles enter service in larger numbers. They are inducted during the Kargil war to replace the standard L1A1 SLR

2011

With the F-INSAS project stalling, the army breaks it up into two components. It also goes in for separate multi-caliber rifle

2015/ 2016

Multi-caliber rifle tender scrapped. Improved INSAS variant begins trials. In 2016, Army commanders conference in Delhi decides to induct rifle firing 7.62 x 51 mm ammunition. Discards OFB’s modified INSAS. New RFI floated in June