(UNI) While India’s neighbouring countries are busy strengthening their armed forces, the Indian Army is still struggling to induct Sniper rifles into its stable.
Since last few years, the Army is facing problems at the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir due to Pakistani troops sniper fire. Last month, two soldiers and an Indian Army porter were killed and another was injured in Pakistani sniper fire.
On December 21, two Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) were killed in the same action across the border in Kupwara district.
However, in a bid to overcome it – the government has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) in September this year for acquiring 5719 8.6mm Sniper rifles. But it would take another 3-4 years for actual signing of the deal.
Nearly 50,000 rounds of ammunition will be imported while rest to be made in India after receiving Transfer of Technology from vendor.