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Indian Army's Night Vision Boost: Rs 659 Crore Contract for SIG 716 Rifles

The Ministry of Defence has signed a major contract worth Rs 659.47 crore for advanced Night Sights. These sights will significantly enhance the Indian Army's night fighting capabilities with the SIG 716 rifles. The procurement supports India's self-reliance goals with over 51% indigenous content. This initiative will also boost domestic defence manufacturing and create opportunities for MSMEs.

Key Points: Defence Ministry Signs Rs 659 Crore Night Sight Contract

  • Enables accurate target engagement up to 500 meters in starlit conditions
  • Classified as Buy Indian-IDDM with over 51% indigenous content
  • Expected to boost domestic defence industry and MSME participation
  • Contract signed with MKU Ltd and Medbit Technologies consortium
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Ministry of Defence signs Rs 659.47 crore contract for procurement of Night Sight for SIG 716 assault rifle

MoD signs Rs 659.47 crore contract for advanced Night Sights for SIG 716 assault rifles, enhancing Indian Army's night fighting capabilities and boosting indigenous defence manufacturing.

"The Night Sight will enable soldiers to fully exploit the longer effective range of the SIG 716 Assault Rifle. - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, October 15

The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed a contract worth Rs 659.47 crore for the procurement of Night Sights (image intensifiers) for the 7.62x51 mm SIG 716 assault rifle, along with associated accessories for the Indian Army, the ministry said in an official release.

The Night Sight will enable soldiers to fully exploit the longer effective range of the SIG 716 Assault Rifle.

According to the release, the procured Night Sights will enable accurate engagement of targets up to an effective range of 500 metres, even under starlit conditions, and will provide a marked improvement over currently fielded Passive Night Sights (PNS).

The procurement has been classified as a Buy (Indian-IDDM) case, with over 51 per cent indigenous content, marking a significant step towards Aatmanirbharata (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing.

The ministry stated that the initiative is expected to enhance domestic defence industry capabilities and create opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in component manufacturing and raw material supply chains.

The contract was signed with the consortium comprising M/s MKU Ltd (Lead Member) and M/s Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd on October 15, 2025. The Night Sight will enable soldiers to fully exploit the longer effective range of the SIG 716 Assault Rifle, the defence ministry said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some good news about defence procurement! The Aatmanirbhar Bharat aspect is particularly encouraging. Hope this boosts our domestic manufacturing capabilities. 🙏
A
Arjun K
500 meters range in starlit conditions? That's impressive! Our jawans will be much better equipped for night operations now. Jai Hind! 💪
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the indigenous content, I hope the quality matches international standards. Our soldiers' lives depend on this equipment. Proper testing and quality control are crucial.
K
Karthik V
Good to see MSMEs getting involved in defence manufacturing. This will create jobs and develop our industrial base. Hope more such contracts follow!
M
Michael C
The SIG 716 is already a formidable rifle, and adding night sights makes it even more capable. Smart investment in our armed forces' capabilities.
N
Neha E
Hope the delivery timelines are met. Defence procurement often faces delays. Our soldiers need this equipment ASAP, especially given current border situations.

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