INSAS(Indian Small Arms System)

INSAS (an abbreviation of Indian Small Arms System) is a family of infantry arms consisting of an assualt rifel, a Light Machine gun and a carbine. It is manufactured by the Indian State Ordance Board at its Ishapore factory. The Insas Assault Rifle is now the standard infantry weapon of the Indian Armed force.The INSAS system was originally planned to have three component weapons: a standard rifle, a carbine, and a squad automatic rifle (LMG), all chambered for ammunition. In 1997 the rifle and LMG were ready for mass production, and in 1998 the first Indian army units were observed armed with INSAS rifles for the Republic Day Parade. At least 300,000 INSAS rifles are in service with the Indian army; some of these have seen action in Indo-pakistan conflict.

Salient Features

• Common ammunition for all the weapons of the family.
• Same basic group components providing very high percentage of commonality/interchange-ability of components.
• Simplified and reduced training, maintenance & logistics.
• Less recoil than older weapons, making firing easier and improving overall performance.
• Effective use during day and night operations due to provision of optical sight and passive night sight.
• Extensive use of engineering plastics and FRP composites eliminating the use of high grade wood.
• Chrome plated barrel & chamber for smooth functioning, almost doubling the barrel life and ease of maintenance.
• Cold swaging technology for mass production of barrels.

Export

INSAS rifles have been exported to the neighboring kingdom of Nepal.Although other parties have shown some interest, till now, none have yet come forward to purchase. The INSAS rifle was sold at a highly discounted rate to the government of Nepal, and many more given as military aid to combat the Maoist insurgency in that country. Some sources claim that around 100,000 weapons were exported to Nepal as part of this agreement. Sources say that few African countries have shown interest in procuring the INSAS, however no conclusive decision has been made. Some say that manufacturers are working hard on their export version to improve the external looks of the rifle in order to compete in the world market.

Users

India
Nepal
Bhutan
Sri Lanka