Indian Army Weapons Complete List

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.

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