The standard issue INSAS rifle, used by the Indian military and paramilitary forces, is plagued by several operational issues regarding its durability and reliability in rough weather conditions.
Users have complained about several issues with the INSAS such as gun jamming, rifle going into automatic mode when it was set for three-round bursts and oil drips during combat, The Times of India reported.
Another shortcoming is with the INSAS magazine, which is made of a translucent UV stabilised polycarbonate resin. Although this enables the user to count the bullets remaining, it makes the magazine more susceptible to breakage.
These operational glitches have forces soldiers deployed in J&K and northeast areas to turn to the AK-47 or other imported guns.
On the other hand, the 200-series Kalashnikov rifles are said to be reliable in all weather and operational conditions, as noted in this FirstPost report.
The AK-203 has the same basic design, layout and major features as the AK-47, but features an improved ergonomic design and modern accessory interfaces.
WIDE-SCALE USAGE
AK series rifles are used and manufactured widely across the globe, owing to its reliability.
Consider the AK-47. Over 50 countries use the Kalashnikov rifle while over 30 countries have the licence to manufacture it, as per The Times of India report.
The AK-203, in particular, is also used by Russian special forces. The deal for the 203 was finalised last year in October, after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s official visit to India.
The INSAS, meanwhile, is used primarily by India and Bhutan, as per ‘India and the Dynamics of World Politics’, a book on Indian Foreign Policy. It also sees limited usage in Nepal and Oman.
The defence ministry has also signed a contract with American firm SIG SAUER recently for the procurement of 73,000 SIG 716-G2 assault rifles – in a deal valued at $97 million ( nearly Rs 700 crore). Deliveries are likely to take place within a year, reported PTI.