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Modernization of Indian Armed Forces: A Shift in Small Arms Strategy

The Indian Armed Forces are currently navigating an unprecedented phase of modernization in their small arms inventory, a transition prompted by the evolving threats along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Traditionally reliant on a mixture of Soviet-era platforms and the indigenous but troubled Indian Small Arms System (INSAS), the Indian military has shifted toward a multi-caliber, “lethality-first” doctrine. This transformation is underpinned by the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, which seeks to balance the immediate need for high-end imports—such as the American SIG Sauer SIG 716i—with long-term domestic manufacturing projects like the AK-203 joint venture and the massive 2025 carbine contracts. The Army, Navy, and Air Force have each refined their specialized requirements, with elite units like the Para SF, MARCOS, and Garud commandos adopting modular Western and Israeli systems, while the regular infantry prepares for a wholesale replacement of legacy systems with modern 7.62mm and 5.56mm platforms. As of late 2025, the defense industrial landscape has been redefined by the entry of private players such as Bharat Forge and SSS Defence, who are now winning significant contracts previously held by state monopolies. This report provides a detailed technical and strategic analysis of the small arms across all three branches, the logistics of their multi-caliber inventory, and the geopolitical implications of India’s pivot toward indigenous sovereignty in infantry weaponry.

The Evolution of Small Arms Doctrine in the Indian Subcontinent

To understand the current state of India’s small arms inventory, one must first analyze the historical and strategic pressures that led to the present modernization drive. For much of the late 20th century, the Indian military operated on a doctrine influenced by British colonial heritage and Soviet strategic alignment. The transition from the.303 Lee-Enfield to the 7.62×51mm L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) in the 1960s marked the first major step toward semi-automatic capability.1 However, the 1980s saw a global shift toward the 5.56×45mm NATO caliber, which was thought to be superior due to its lighter weight, allowing soldiers to carry more ammunition, and its tendency to wound rather than kill, thereby straining the enemy’s logistical and medical infrastructure.3

This philosophy led to the development of the INSAS (Indian Small Arms System), which was intended to be a family of weapons including a rifle, a carbine, and a light machine gun (LMG). While the INSAS rifle became the mainstay of the infantry for nearly three decades, it was plagued by design flaws that became painfully evident during high-altitude combat, most notably during the 1999 Kargil War.4 Soldiers reported magazines cracking in sub-zero temperatures, oil splashing into the operator’s eyes during firing, and a lack of consistency in the three-round burst mode.3 These failures catalyzed an emergency procurement of AK-47 variants from Eastern Europe, marking the beginning of a “search for lethality” that would eventually lead to the abandonment of the wounding-centered 5.56mm doctrine for frontline infantry.3

In the contemporary landscape of 2025, the Indian Army has largely returned to the 7.62mm caliber for its primary combat roles. The reasoning is twofold: first, the increasing prevalence of body armor among adversaries renders the 5.56mm round less effective at range; and second, the terrain of the LoC and LAC requires high stopping power and effective engagement ranges beyond 500 meters, where the 7.62×51mm caliber excels.3 Consequently, the current inventory is a sophisticated mix of imported battle rifles for frontline troops and locally produced assault rifles for the wider force, creating a complex but lethal logistical ecosystem.6

Summary Table: Historical Transition of Primary Service Rifles

EraPrimary RifleCaliberOriginStatus
1950s – 1960sSMLE Mk III*.303 BritishUnited Kingdom / IndiaRetired
1960s – 1990sL1A1 SLR (1A1)7.62×51mmUK (Licensed) / IndiaLimited Police / Reserve Use
1990s – 2020s1B1 INSAS5.56×45mmIndia (OFB)Being phased out 8
2020 – 2025+SIG Sauer SIG 716i7.62×51mmUSA / India (Nibe)Standard Frontline 9
2023 – 2025+AK-2037.62×39mmRussia / India (IRRPL)Standard Infantry 8

Indian Army Small Arms Inventory: The Push for Lethality

The Indian Army, with its massive personnel count and diverse operational theaters, is the primary driver of small arms demand in the country. The current strategy involves a clear demarcation between the “frontline infantry,” who require high-performance battle rifles, and the “general infantry” and specialized units engaged in counter-insurgency (CI) and counter-terrorism (CT) operations.3

Primary Assault and Battle Rifles

The centerpiece of the Army’s modernization is the SIG Sauer SIG 716i “Patrol” rifle. Procured under a Fast Track Procedure (FTP) in 2019 and followed by a second major order in 2024, the SIG 716i is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO.6 This weapon was selected specifically for its range and stopping power, with an effective “kill” range of 500 meters, making it ideal for the long-range engagements typical of the Himalayan borders.6 As of late 2025, the Indian Army has integrated approximately 145,400 SIG rifles into its frontline battalions.6 While initial reports indicated some minor issues with recoil and the need for local modifications like additional grips and bipods to improve stability, the platform is widely regarded by soldiers as a significant upgrade over the INSAS in terms of reliability and terminal ballistics.6

For the broader force, the Army has standardized the AK-203, a modernized variant of the ubiquitous Kalashnikov series. Manufactured in Korwa, Uttar Pradesh, through the Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) joint venture, the AK-203 fires the 7.62×39mm round.10 It offers the ruggedness of the classic AK system with modern enhancements, including a folding adjustable stock, ergonomic pistol grips, and Picatinny rails for mounting optics and tactical accessories.10 The AK-203 is intended to replace the INSAS across nearly all infantry units not deployed on the high-altitude borders.8

Carbines and Close-Quarter Battle Weapons

A significant gap in the Army’s arsenal for over a decade was the lack of a modern Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbine. The legacy 9mm Sterling submachine gun (SAF 1A1) was long considered obsolete for modern urban warfare.13 This requirement was finally addressed in late 2025 with the signing of contracts for 425,000 5.56×45mm carbines.13 The selection of the DRDO-developed CQB carbine (manufactured by Bharat Forge/KSSL) and the Adani-IWI “Jeet” (a Galil ACE variant) represents a major milestone for indigenous manufacturing.8 These carbines utilize a short-stroke gas piston system and are designed for high-intensity urban combat, where compactness and a high rate of fire are paramount.13

Summary Table: Indian Army Primary Small Arms (2025)

CategoryWeapon ModelCaliberOriginNotes
Battle RifleSIG Sauer SIG 716i7.62×51mmUSA / IndiaFrontline border units 9
Assault RifleAK-2037.62×39mmIndia / RussiaStandard general issue 8
Assault RifleIWI Tavor TAR-215.56×45mmIsraelSpecial Forces (Para SF) 8
Assault RifleAKM (Various)7.62×39mmE. Europe / IndiaCounter-insurgency standard 2
CarbineDRDO CQB Carbine5.56×45mmIndia255,128 on order (2025) 13
CarbineAdani Jeet (ACE)5.56×45mmIndia / Israel170,085 on order (2025) 13
Submachine GunASMI Machine Pistol9×19mmIndia550 units for Para SF 8
Submachine GunH&K MP59×19mmGermanySpecial Forces use 8
Pistol9mm Pistol 1A9×19mmIndiaBeing replaced by new RFI 14
PistolGlock 17/199×19mmAustriaSpecial Forces standard 8

The Specialized Arsenal of the Para (Special Forces)

The Para (Special Forces) units maintain a highly distinct and modular arsenal compared to the regular infantry. Their primary weapon for several years has been the Israeli IWI Tavor TAR-21 and its more compact variant, the X95.8 The bullpup configuration of the Tavor is highly valued for airborne operations and vehicle-borne insertions, as it provides a full-length barrel in a compact package.1 For direct action and urban raids, the Para SF also utilizes the Colt M4A1 carbine, which is often heavily customized with SOPMOD accessories, including advanced optics, suppressors, and laser aiming modules.2

The Para SF has also been the primary recipient of newer indigenous innovations, such as the ASMI machine pistol. Developed in collaboration between the DRDO and Lokesh Machines, the ASMI is a 9mm submachine gun with a high rate of fire and 3D-printed components, intended for personal defense and room clearing.14 This unit’s adoption of the ASMI indicates a growing confidence in high-end indigenous designs for elite roles.

Indian Navy: Maritime Special Operations and Fleet Security

The Indian Navy’s small arms requirements are specialized around the unique challenges of the maritime environment, where corrosion resistance and compactness for shipborne operations are critical. The force is divided into the general sailor population responsible for ship security and the elite Marine Commando (MARCOS) unit.18

MARCOS: The “Crocodiles” of the Indian Ocean

The MARCOS are trained for a diverse array of missions, including amphibious raids, maritime counter-terrorism (MCT), and clandestine diving operations.15 Their weaponry reflects this versatility. The standard assault rifle for MARCOS is the AK-103, a 7.62×39mm modernized Kalashnikov that offers superior stopping power compared to 5.56mm rifles when engaging targets on vessels.2 For specialized maritime tasks, the MARCOS employ the APS underwater assault rifle, which fires 5.66mm steel bolts capable of penetrating thick neoprene and diving gear at depth—a capability shared by only a few elite units globally.15

For close-range ship intervention and boarding, search, and seizure (VBSS) missions, MARCOS heavily rely on the Heckler & Koch MP5 and the IWI Tavor X95.15 The MP5, despite its age, remains a favorite for its low recoil and “point-ability” in the tight confines of a ship’s engine room or corridor.16

Fleet and Shore Security

The general security of naval installations and warships is transitioning toward more modern systems. While the 9mm 1A pistol and INSAS rifle have been the standard, the Navy has received an allocation of approximately 2,000 SIG 716i battle rifles to provide a heavier punch for pier sentries and magazine security watches.3 This is particularly relevant given the increasing threat of asymmetrical attacks by maritime militia or non-state actors in the Indian Ocean Region.21

Summary Table: Indian Navy Small Arms Inventory (2025)

BranchWeapon ModelCaliberRoleStatus
MARCOSAK-1037.62×39mmPrimary Assault RifleStandard Issue 15
MARCOSAPS Amphibious Rifle5.66×120mmUnderwater CombatSpecialized 15
MARCOSIWI Tavor X955.56×45mmClose-Quarter BattleStandard Issue 15
MARCOSH&K MP59×19mmVBSS / InterventionSpecial Operations 15
MARCOSIWI Negev NG-77.62×51mmLight Machine GunSupport Weapon 15
General NavySIG Sauer SIG 716i7.62×51mmShip/Base Security2,000 units in service 9
General Navy9mm Pistol 1A9×19mmSidearmStandard issue 8
General NavyINSAS Rifle5.56×45mmSentry DutyBeing phased out 8

Indian Air Force: Protecting the High Ground

The Indian Air Force (IAF) manages its small arms inventory through its Air Force Police and the elite Garud Commando Force. The primary focus for the IAF is base defense and the recovery of downed pilots behind enemy lines.23

Garud Commando Force

Raised in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on Indian airbases, the Garuds are specialized in airfield seizure and combat search and rescue (CSAR).24 Like other special forces, they have standardized on the IWI Tavor TAR-21 for its compactness.26 However, the IAF has recently pushed for greater indigenization, issuing a request for pistols and submachine guns with at least 60% indigenous content.26 This is a strategic move to ensure that even its elite units are not entirely dependent on foreign supply lines for ammunition and spare parts.

The Garuds also operate approximately 4,000 SIG 716i battle rifles, providing them with the range necessary to protect large airbase perimeters from stand-off attacks.9 Their sniper capabilities have been bolstered with the Beretta Scorpio TGT and the Finnish Sako TRG-42, ensuring they can neutralize threats before they reach critical assets like fighter jets or radar installations.16

Summary Table: Indian Air Force Small Arms (2025)

UnitWeapon ModelCaliberOriginUse Case
Garud CommandoIWI Tavor TAR-215.56×45mmIsraelPrimary Service Rifle 26
Garud CommandoSIG Sauer SIG 716i7.62×51mmUSAPerimeter Security 9
Garud CommandoGlock 179×19mmAustriaStandard Sidearm 26
Garud CommandoH&K MP59×19mmGermanyCSAR / Base Recovery 25
AF Police / DSCAKM / Variants7.62×39mmVariousStandard Base Defense 2
AF Police / DSCINSAS Rifle5.56×45mmIndiaRoutine Guard Duty 8

Support and Heavy Weapons: Sustaining Infantry Firepower

Beyond the individual soldier’s rifle, the effectiveness of the Indian infantry depends on its light and medium support weapons. This category has seen a massive shift toward 7.62×51mm belt-fed systems to provide superior suppressive fire compared to the magazine-fed 5.56mm INSAS LMG.3

Light and General-Purpose Machine Guns

The Indian Army has aggressively inducted the IWI Negev NG-7, a 7.62×51mm light machine gun that allows for sustained fire with high accuracy.16 Unlike the older INSAS LMG, the Negev NG-7 is battle-proven and can be fired in both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes, offering flexibility in both offensive and defensive postures.16 For the medium machine gun role, the Army continues to rely on the indigenous MG 2A1, a licensed copy of the FN MAG 58. This general-purpose machine gun (GPMG) is often mounted on vehicles or used by infantry sections to provide heavy suppressive fire up to 1,200 meters.15

Heavy Machine Guns and Anti-Material Capabilities

For anti-material roles and long-range suppression, the NSV and DShK heavy machine guns (12.7×108mm) are standardized across the military.28 These weapons are critical for disabling light-skinned vehicles and low-flying aerial threats. The Vidhwansak, an indigenous anti-material rifle available in 14.5mm and 20mm calibers, provides a bolt-action solution for precise strikes on hardened targets such as bunkers and communication arrays.28

Summary Table: Support and Heavy Weapons (2025)

Weapon ModelTypeCaliberStatusRole
IWI Negev NG-7LMG7.62×51mmInduction (40,000+)Section Support 14
MG 2A1 (FN MAG)GPMG7.62×51mmStandard IssueMedium Support 15
PKMGPMG7.62×54mmRIn Service (RR/SF)Rugged CI Support 2
NSV / BhishmaHMG12.7×108mmVehicle/SentryHeavy Suppression 28
VidhwansakAMR14.5 / 20mmStandard IssueHard Target Interdiction 28
AGS-30AGL30mmStandard IssueArea Denial 15

Precision Marksmanship: The New Sniper Doctrine

India’s sniper doctrine has undergone a renaissance, moving from a secondary infantry role to a dedicated professional trade. The reliance on the aging Dragunov SVD (7.62×54mmR) is being mitigated by the induction of Western .338 Lapua Magnum and .50 BMG systems, which offer significantly greater reach and precision.3

Long-Range Interdiction

The Beretta Scorpio TGT and Sako TRG-42 are now the primary long-range rifles for infantry snipers.3 Chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, these rifles allow snipers to engage targets effectively at ranges exceeding 1,500 meters.16 This is a critical capability in the high-altitude theaters of Ladakh and Sikkim, where visibility is high and the ability to interdict enemy movements from a distance is a significant force multiplier.

The Rise of Indigenous Sniping Solutions

SSS Defence has disrupted the sniper market with its Saber and Viper rifles.31 The Saber, chambered in.338 Lapua Magnum, has demonstrated sub-MOA accuracy and has been exported to countries like Armenia, showcasing that Indian private sector firms can compete with established European and American brands.17 The Viper (7.62×51mm) is being positioned as a replacement for the Dragunov SVD in the designated marksman role, offering better ergonomics and the ability to mount modern thermals and ballistics computers.31

Summary Table: Sniper and Marksman Rifles (2025)

Weapon ModelCaliberOriginEffective RangeStatus
Sako TRG-42.338 Lapua MagFinland1,500mSF Standard 16
Beretta Scorpio TGT.338 Lapua MagItaly1,500mInfantry Standard 3
SSS Defence Saber.338 Lapua MagIndia1,500mTrial/Export 31
Dragunov SVD7.62×54mmRRussia800mLegacy/Updated 28
Barrett M95.50 BMGUSA1,800m+Special Forces 25
OSV-9612.7×108mmRussia1,800mNaval/Special Forces 28

The Industrial Ecosystem: Corporatization and the Private Pivot

The structural shift from the state-monopoly Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to the corporatized Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and other DPSUs has fundamentally changed how the Indian military procures small arms.35 This change was necessary to address the historic inefficiencies and quality control issues that plagued the INSAS program.3

AWEIL and the Joint Venture Model

AWEIL now operates as a corporate entity focusing on high-volume production of systems like the AK-203 and the JVPC (Joint Venture Protective Carbine).37 The AK-203 project at Korwa is a flagship of the Indo-Russian partnership, aiming to produce over 600,000 rifles with full technology transfer.8 This project ensures that even as India diversifies its imports, its core infantry weapon is secured through a domestic supply chain.

The Private Sector: Catalysts of Innovation

The emergence of private OEMs like SSS Defence, Bharat Forge (KSSL), and PLR Systems has introduced competitive pressure that was previously absent. The 2025 carbine contract is a prime example: the DRDO-developed CQB carbine, which had languished in testing for years, was successfully optimized and brought to production by Bharat Forge.8 Similarly, SSS Defence has focused on high-end niche products like precision sniper rifles and modular assault rifles (the P-72 family), which are now being adopted by state police forces and considered for central paramilitary units.31

PLR Systems, a joint venture between Adani and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), has localized the production of the Tavor, X95, and Negev series in India.8 This ensures that the specialized weapons used by elite units like MARCOS and Para SF can be serviced and supported domestically, reducing the risk of being cutoff from spares during a conflict.

Strategic and Logistical Implications of the 2025 Inventory

For a foreign intelligence analyst, the Indian small arms landscape in 2025 presents a paradoxical mixture of extreme diversity and a strong push for standardization.

The Logistics of the Multi-Caliber Force

Maintaining an inventory that includes 7.62×51mm, 7.62×39mm, 5.56×45mm, and 7.62×54mmR (for legacy snipers) creates a complex logistical tail.7 The Indian Army’s strategy to manage this complexity is geographic and role-based segregation. SIG 716i rifles (7.62×51mm) are concentrated in frontline battalions where their range is a tactical necessity, while AK-203s (7.62×39mm) are slated for the bulk of the force engaged in varied operations.3

The massive induction of 100,000 indigenous 9mm pistols in late 2025 is a further attempt to standardize sidearms across the force, moving away from the aging Browning Hi-Power clones to a modular system that can accept modern lights, lasers, and suppressors—essential for urban counter-terrorism.14

Geopolitical Diversification as a Defense Strategy

India’s pivot toward the United States (SIG Sauer) and Israel (IWI) while maintaining ties with Russia (Kalashnikov) is a calculated move to avoid strategic over-dependence.41 The “Make in India” requirement attached to these deals ensures that even if diplomatic relations sour, the manufacturing capability remains on Indian soil.41 The tensions with the US over tariffs and oil imports in 2025 have only reinforced New Delhi’s belief that absolute self-reliance in infantry weapons is the only way to ensure national security.42

Terminal Ballistics and Modern Body Armor

The shift back to the 7.62mm caliber is a direct response to the proliferation of modern Type III and IV ballistic plates. Intelligence suggests that both Chinese and Pakistani forces have significantly improved their individual protection systems. The 7.62×51mm NATO round, with its superior kinetic energy and barrier penetration, ensures that Indian soldiers can defeat these protections at engagement ranges that would leave a 5.56mm user vulnerable.3

Future Outlook: Technology and Global Export Ambitions

As India looks toward 2030 and beyond, the small arms sector is no longer viewed merely as a tool for internal security, but as a potential engine for economic growth through exports.

The Next Generation of Infantry Weapons

The DRDO and private firms are already working on “smart” rifles that integrate augmented reality (AR) sights and network-centric systems.47 The goal is to create a soldier who is linked to the broader battlefield management system (BMS), with their weapon serving as a data point for situational awareness.49 The 2025 trials of robotic mules and logistical drones indicate that the future infantryman will be supported by autonomous systems that can carry heavy weapon loads and ammunition through difficult terrain.51

India as a Global Small Arms Hub

With defense exports reaching an all-time high of Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, India is increasingly being viewed as a reliable supplier to the Global South.43 The success of the Saber sniper rifle and the BrahMos missile has paved the way for smaller infantry systems to find markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.33 By leveraging lower production costs and a maturing R&D ecosystem, India aims to become a top-five global defense exporter by 2047.47

Conclusion

The Indian Armed Forces in 2025 have successfully navigated the “post-INSAS” crisis by adopting a pragmatic and lethal mix of international and indigenous systems. The Army’s two-rifle doctrine provides both the precision needed for border defense and the reliability required for counter-insurgency. The Navy and Air Force have specialized their elite units with world-class Israeli and Western platforms, while simultaneously investing in indigenous backups. The corporatization of the DPSUs and the rise of private sector OEMs have created a vibrant industrial base that is now capable of meeting domestic needs and competing on the global stage. While logistical hurdles remain due to the diversity of calibers, the move toward “Aatmanirbharta” ensures that India is building the strategic resilience necessary to face a two-front threat in the 21st century. The 2025 modernization drive is more than a simple equipment upgrade; it is a fundamental reimagining of the Indian soldier as a high-tech, lethal, and self-reliant component of a burgeoning global power.

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