India’s first private small arms manufacturing unit based at Malanpur starts to make deadly weapons.Israel will manufacture lethal Israeli guns for the Indian armed forces and the world. This has been made possible through a joint venture between Indian defence conglomerate, Punj Lloyd and Israel Weapon Industries.
As clearly stated by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat there is a need to invest more in the military, in view of emerging security threats. And these are the guns that will add to the capabilities of the armed forces.
1.Tavor
Besides the Israel Defence Forces, it is being used across the world, including by the US and the Special Forces of the Indian Army, Navy and IAF. This weapon was also used during the surgical strikes in POK. The Special Frontier Force (SFF), a covert special operations unit, created with the help of the CIA post the 1962 India-China war, is also using them.
‘Bullpup Configuration’
– “Bullpup configuration” makes it compact, perfect for counter-terrorist operations in built up areas such as J&K.
– Improves gun’s accuracy and reduces weight.
– Stable at all firing positions.
– Corrosion resistant metal parts. Easily maintainable in adverse battle conditions.
– Uses 5.56mm cartridges, as adopted by NATO.
– The capacity of 30 rounds.
- Punj Lloyd pitching it as a replacement for INSAS rifle.
2.Negev Light Machine Gun
A robust light machine gun with powerful target acquisition.
– Adopted by the Israeli Defence Forces in 1997.
– Also has a semi-automatic mode to provide accurate, controlled fire in close quarter battle.
– Automatic mode for maximum firepower.
Mountable
– Negev cartridges are placed in the gun from a belt, which can contain up to 200 rounds.
– Uses 5.56 mm and 7.65 mm cartridges.
– Has different variants.
– Known to be a reliable weapon under extreme conditions.
– Important feature: Can be mounted on inside helicopters, over vehicles and naval vessels.
- Gun being used by the Indian armed forces.
3.Galil Sniper
– Can hit targets up to 1 km away.
– Even at this range will fire accurately at targets, which are small and mobile.
– With this weapon, combat units gain efficiency in firing at long range.
– The semi-automatic feature ensures it is stable while firing.
– 7.65mm calibre and has a capacity of 10 to 25 rounds.
– Foldable bipod makes it suitable for user’s needs.
RAW’s Aim
– Galil sniper being used by the covert RAW unit, Special Frontier Force, and Indian Army.
– Army has been searching for sniper rifles for infantry units and Special Forces to replace the Russian Dragunov sniper rifle.
– Army’s aim is to get the new sniper rifle with greater range, accuracy, and firepower.
– Indian Navy’s MARCOS also using the rifle.
- Galil is a family of small arms named after its designer, Yisrael Galil
4.Tavor X95
– Also known as Micro Tavor.
– Specialty is that it is the only three calibre weapon in the world.
– Can be used as an assault rifle, carbine or sub-machine gun.
– Interchangeability does not require much time.
– Can be used in different scenarios such as counter-terrorist operations in forested regions or urban areas
Single Handed Option
– Ideal for VIP security conducted by NSG, SPG.
– Stable while shooting in sitting, kneeling and standing position.
– Low recoil and can be easily fired single-handedly, good for soldiers injured in battle.
– Developed in collaboration with the elite units of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).
– Became IDF’s standard assault rifle in 2009.
– CRPF’s CoBRA commandos are using the gun against the Left Wing Extremists.
5.ACE Assault Rifle
– ACE represents next generation of Israel’s Galil assault rifles.
– Comes with standard 5.56X45mm, 7.62x39mm and 7.62X51mm ammunition
– Weapon of choice for armies across the world who don’t have to worry about changing ammunition.
Galil Family
– ACE’s mechanism based on Galil family of weapons.
– It has adopted trigger of Galil sniper to improve accuracy.
– Similar to the Tavor, but less advanced.
– Has a capacity of 25 to 35 rounds.
– Effective firing range of 500m.
– Primary weapon of the Colombian Army and Colombian Police and of the Vietnam Army.
Making the Components
The plant will first manufacture components of these guns, which will be exported to Israel. In Israel, the components will be integrated to form guns. By this year’s end, the plant will start integrating the weapons, after it receives its license to do it.
Since 2009 Punj Lloyd has invested Rs 350 crore in the defence sector, including this facility. The plant will soon take over the work of the Israel Weapon Industries on the tenders for such guns floated by the Indian Army.
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