As one of the largest and most formidable military forces in the world, the Indian Army boasts an extensive and diverse arsenal of weapons and equipment. From cutting-edge assault rifles to high-precision sniper rifles, the Indian Army’s inventory is constantly evolving to address the ever-changing security landscape. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the Indian Army Weapons Complete List, providing you with a detailed understanding of their capabilities, origins, and strategic importance.
Assault Rifles
The Indian Army’s primary assault rifle has long been the indigenous INSAS (Indian Small Arms System), a gas-operated, selective-fire rifle chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. However, the INSAS has faced criticism for reliability issues, leading the Army to explore alternative solutions. In recent years, the Indian Army has inducted several new assault rifles, including the Russian-designed AK-103, the Israeli-made TAR-21 (Tavor), and the American-sourced SIG Sauer 716. The Army is also in the process of procuring the AK-203, a modern variant of the iconic AK-47, to replace the aging INSAS. Additionally, the indigenous Excalibur assault rifle, currently under development, is poised to become the next-generation standard issue for the Indian Army.
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Sniper Rifles
For long-range engagements, the Indian Army relies on a diverse array of sniper rifles, both indigenous and imported. The Vidhwansak, a domestically developed 7.62x51mm NATO sniper rifle, serves as the primary long-range precision weapon for infantry units. The Army also utilizes the Barrett M95, a .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle, and the Beretta Scorpio TGT, a .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle, primarily employed by special forces. Other notable sniper rifles in the Indian Army’s inventory include the Sako TRG-42, the Dragunov, and the Accuracy International Arctic Warfare.
Machine Guns
To complement its infantry firepower, the Indian Army employs a variety of machine guns, ranging from light to heavy variants. The indigenous INSAS LMG (Light Machine Gun) and the Israeli-made IMI Negev NG7 serve as the standard squad automatic weapons, while the FN MAG and the Russian-designed PKM provide medium machine gun support. For heavier firepower, the Army utilizes the iconic M2 Browning .50 caliber heavy machine gun, as well as the Soviet-era NSV and DShK heavy machine guns.
Grenade Launchers
The Indian Army’s arsenal includes a diverse range of grenade launchers, both under-barrel and standalone variants, to provide additional firepower and support to infantry units. These include the American-made M203 under-barrel grenade launcher, the Russian-designed RPG-7 recoilless rifle, and the Swedish-made 40mm L70 grenade launcher. The Army also utilizes the indigenous AGS-30 automatic grenade launcher and the HK GMG grenade machine gun for specialized applications.
Artillery
The Indian Army’s artillery capabilities are formidable, with a mix of both indigenous and imported systems. The Bofors 155mm howitzer, a Swedish-made artillery piece, has been a mainstay of the Indian Army for decades, while the American-developed M777 lightweight howitzer and the indigenous Dhanush 155mm howitzer have more recently been inducted. The Army also operates the Pinaka and Smerch multiple rocket launcher systems, providing long-range, high-volume firepower.
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Missiles: Precision-Guided Lethality
The Indian Army’s missile arsenal includes a diverse range of systems, from anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles to surface-to-surface ballistic missiles. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, co-developed with Russia, is a key asset in the Army’s inventory, while the indigenous Nag anti-tank missile and the Akash surface-to-air missile provide additional tactical capabilities. The Prithvi and Shaurya ballistic missiles, with their extended ranges, further bolster the Army’s strategic deterrence.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
The Indian Army has embraced the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. The Searcher Mk II, Heron, and Nishant UAVs provide medium-range and long-endurance capabilities, while the smaller Panchi and Netra micro-UAVs offer tactical-level intelligence gathering. These systems enhance the Army’s situational awareness and decision-making capabilities on the battlefield.
Tanks and Armored Vehicles
The Indian Army’s armored corps is equipped with a diverse array of tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. The indigenous Arjun Main Battle Tank, the Russian-made T-90S Bhishma, and the T-72M1 are the mainstays of the Army’s tank fleet, providing formidable firepower and protection. The BMP-2 and BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, as well as the mine-resistant Casspir, further enhance the Army’s mobility and combat capabilities.
Grenades
The Indian Army utilizes a wide range of grenades for various purposes, including offensive, defensive, and crowd control operations. These include fragmentation grenades, smoke grenades, stun grenades, tear gas grenades, and thermobaric grenades, among others. The Army also employs specialized grenades, such as underwater grenades and illuminating grenades, for specific operational requirements.
Helicopters
While the Indian Army does not have its own dedicated aircraft, it operates a fleet of helicopters for various roles, including troop transport, logistics, and casualty evacuation. The HAL Dhruv, Mi-17, and CH-47 Chinook helicopters are the mainstays of the Army’s aviation assets, providing crucial support and mobility to ground forces.
Summarization:
| Name | Weapon Type | Caliber | Origin Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Army Weapons: HANDGUNS | ||||
| Pistol Auto 9mm 1A | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | India | Status: In service, as standard side-arm of the Indian Army, manufactured under license by OFB, used by special forces in small numbers. |
| Glock | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Austria | Status: In service, as Standard Special Forces pistol. |
| Indian Army Weapons: SHOTGUNS | ||||
| 12 Bore PAG | Pump action | 12-gauge shotgun | India | Status: In service. |
| Indian Army Weapons: SMGs | ||||
| Heckler & Koch MP5 | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Germany | Status: In service, used by Special Forces. |
| Micro-Uzi | Machine pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Israel | Status: In service, used by Special Forces. Micro-Uzi variant in use. |
| SAF Carbine 2A1 | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | India, UK | Status: To be replaced, all remaining SAF Carbine to be replaced by indigenously built close quarter MSMC. |
| Indian Army Weapons: ASSAULT RIFLES | ||||
| 1B1 INSAS | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | India | Status: In service (To be replaced), Standard assault rifle of the Indian Army. To be replaced by AK-203 and SIG-716 i. |
| SIG-716 i | Battle rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | United States | Status: In service, 72,400 units of SIG-716 i model in service. A second batch for 72,000 units are on order. |
| AK-203 | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | Russia, India | Status: On Order. 70,000 on order. 600,000 rifles to be manufactured locally by OFB in India. Will be the standard service rifle of Indian Army replacing old INSAS. |
| IMI Tavor TAR-21 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Israel | Status: In service, Standard Special Forces assault rifle. |
| M4A1 Carbine | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | United States | Status: In service, used by special forces, including PARA SF and Ghatak SF and MARCOS. |
| T91 assault rifle | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Taiwan | Status: In service, 1000+ unit of this rifle were bought. |
| FN SCAR L | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Belgium | Status: In service, used by special forces including NSG, AFSOD and SFF. |
| FN SCAR H | Battle rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Belgium | Status: In service, used by special forces including NSG, AFSOD and SFF. |
| AKM | Assault rifle | 7.62×39mm | Soviet Union | Status: In service, used by the Army. |
| Indian Army Weapons: SNIPER RIFLES | ||||
| Dragunov SVD | Designated marksman rifle, Sniper rifle | 7.62×54mmR | Soviet Union, India | Status: In service, Standard Designated Marksman rifle (DMR). To be replaced by a 7.62mm NATO DMR under the Army modernization plan. |
| Steyr SSG 69 | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Austria | Status: In service, Standard bolt-action sniper rifle. |
| IMI Galil 7.62 Sniper | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Israel | Status: In service, used by Indian Army Special Forces snipers. |
| Heckler & Koch PSG1 | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Germany | Status: In service, Standard semi-automatic sniper rifle used by Indian Army, NSG, MARCOS. |
| Sako TRG | Sniper rifle | .338 Lapua Magnum | Finland | Status: In service, 40-50 units ordered, used by Para SF. |
| Mauser SP66 | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Germany | Status: In service, Standard bolt-action sniper rifle. |
| Tikka T3 | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm | Finland | Status: In service, used by army in small numbers. |
| Beretta Scorpio TGT | Sniper rifle | .338 Lapua Magnum | Italy | Status: In service. |
| SIG Sauer SSG 3000 | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Germany | Status: In service, Standard bolt-action sniper rifle. |
| Barrett M95 | Anti-material rifle | .50 BMG | United States | Status: In service, Small numbers used in anti-sniping role. |
| Vidhwansak | Anti-material rifle | 12.7×108mm, 20x82mm | India | Status: In service. |
| OSV-96 | Anti-material rifle | 12.7×108mm | Soviet Union | Status: In service. |
| Barrett M82 | Anti-material rifle | .50 BMG, .416 Barrett | United States | Status: In service, used by special forces. |
| Indian Army Weapons: MACHINE GUNS | ||||
| INSAS LMG | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm NATO | India | Status: In service (To be phased out), Standard Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) of the Indian Army, Light machine gun derivative of the INSAS assault rifle. Contract signed in 2020 to replace INSAS LMG by IWI Negev Ng7. |
| IMI Negev NG7 | Medium machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Israel | Status: In Service, All 16,479 are scheduled delivered in June 2021. Ng7 will replace all the Gun Machine 7.62MM IA still left and all the INSAS LMG. |
| Mk 48 machine gun | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Belgium, United States | Status: In service, 715 in service with Para (SF). |
| FN Minimi | Light machine gun | 5.56x45mm NATO | Belgium | Status: In service, used mainly by the NSG. |
| IMI Negev NG5 | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm NATO | Israel | Status: In service, Standard Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) of special forces, especially Para (SF). |
| MG 2A1, MG 5A, MG 6A | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Belgium, India | Status: In service, Standard section-Medium Machine Gun for infantry battalions, Indian-made MAG 58 version. Also in service as the MG 5A (Co-axial) and MG 6A (Commander’s gun) with some armored vehicles. |
| M2 Browning | Heavy machine gun | .50 BMG | United States | Status: In service, M2HB variant in service, used in small numbers. |
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Evolving Capabilities: Adapting to Changing Threats
The Indian Army’s weapons and equipment inventory is constantly evolving to address emerging security challenges and technological advancements. The Army’s commitment to self-reliance and indigenous development is evident in its efforts to replace aging systems with modern, domestically produced alternatives. This includes the development of the Excalibur assault rifle, the Vidhwansak sniper rifle, and the Dhanush howitzer, among other indigenous projects.
Conclusion
The Indian Army‘s comprehensive weapons inventory reflects its unwavering commitment to maintaining a strong and capable military force. From cutting-edge assault rifles to precision-guided missiles, the Army’s arsenal is designed to provide its soldiers with the firepower and versatility required to address a wide range of security challenges. As the Indian Army continues to modernize and adapt to emerging threats, its weapons and equipment will undoubtedly play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
FAQs
Q1. What is the primary assault rifle used by the Indian Army?
The primary assault rifle used by the Indian Army is the INSAS (Indian Small Arms System), a gas-operated, selective-fire rifle chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge.
Q2. What are some of the sniper rifles used by the Indian Army?
The Indian Army utilizes a variety of sniper rifles, including the indigenous Vidhwansak, the Barrett M95 .50 BMG anti-materiel rifle, and the Beretta Scorpio TGT .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle.
Q3. What are the key artillery systems used by the Indian Army?
The Indian Army’s artillery inventory includes the Bofors 155mm howitzer, the M777 lightweight howitzer, the indigenous Dhanush 155mm howitzer, and the Pinaka and Smerch multiple rocket launcher systems.
Q4. What types of missiles does the Indian Army employ?
The Indian Army’s missile arsenal includes the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Nag anti-tank missile, the Akash surface-to-air missile, the Prithvi ballistic missile, and the Shaurya hypersonic missile.
