Defence Ministry Signs ₹659.47 Crore Contract to Procure Night Sight Devices for SIG 716 Assault Rifles

In a significant move to modernise India’s infantry, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹659.47 crore contract to procure Night Sight (Image Intensifier) devices for the 7.62 × 51 mm SIG 716 Assault Rifles of the Indian Army with the consortium of M/s MKU Ltd (Lead Member) and M/s Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd. 

The new systems, along with essential accessories, will enhance accuracy and visibility in low-light conditions, enabling soldiers to utilise the full range of the rifles with greater situational awareness.

Enhanced Vision Systems to Boost Night Operations

The next-generation Night Sight devices acquired under this initiative will allow troops to engage targets up to 500 metres, even under starlight conditions. This represents a significant leap from the existing Passive Night Sights (PNS) in use, offering sharper clarity, faster target acquisition, and higher precision at extended ranges.

By equipping infantry units with this capability, the Indian Army is expected to witness a substantial improvement in night-time combat effectiveness. These systems are engineered to enhance operational efficiency, battlefield awareness, and soldier safety, enabling troops to operate seamlessly in complex terrains and adverse lighting environments.

Driving Indigenous Manufacturing and Self-Reliance

This procurement falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, ensuring over 51 % indigenous content. The move reinforces India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing, significantly boosting domestic industrial capacity.

The initiative is also expected to provide a strong stimulus to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in component production, assembly, and raw material supply. With this, India continues its transition from a defence importer to a global supplier of advanced military technology. The project also aligns with the government’s strategy of fostering an ecosystem of innovation, sustainability, and self-reliance within the defence sector.

Read More: India Reverses Tax-Free Import Policy on Missile Parts!

Conclusion

The ₹659.47 crore deal marks a decisive step in India’s mission to enhance its night warfare capabilities and deepen defence self-reliance. With cutting-edge night vision technology and strong domestic participation, the initiative ensures the Indian Army stays mission-ready and future-focused.

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