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SIG Sauer 716

2021 MAR 16

Preliminary   > Science and Technology   >   Defence technology   >   Basics of defence technology

Why in news?

  • The Army is equipping its over 400 infantry battalions with the American Sig Sauer assault rifles, procured under fast-tracked process (FTP), as against the original plan to arm only its frontline troops with the latest weapon.
  • This will replace some of the obsolete Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45 mm rifles in use for over two decades.

About the rifles:

  • The Sig 716 rifles are more accurate and lethal than the INSAS because it has a higher caliber — 7.62 mm as against 5.56 mm.
  • With a shorter barrel than that of the INSAS, it is good for room intervention operation and for urban warfare,
  • Weighing just 3.82 kg without the magazine, the American rifles  has an effective kill range of 600 metres and with greater accuracy than that of the INSAS.
  • With corking from behind than the side, which is the case in most of the small arms, the rifle becomes ambidextrous.
  • Even though the butt of the rifle is not collapsible, it comes with six adjustable positions, and hence comes handy in operations.

Prelims Question

SIG Sauer 716, recently in news, is a type of:
(a)Cruise missiles
(b)Assault rifles
(c)Battle Tanks
(d)Frigate Battle Ships

Answer to the Prelims Question