SRINAGAR: The Defence Ministry signed a contract worth Rs 659.47 crore under the Buy (Indian-IDDM – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category for the procurement of advanced night sight devices designed to enhance the Indian Army’s operational efficiency and combat readiness during low-light and night missions.
The agreement, signed with MKU Ltd (Lead Member) and Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd, covers the acquisition of Night Sight (Image Intensifier) systems for 7.62 x 51mm Assault Rifles, along with associated accessories.
According to the ministry, as per NDTV report, the new Night Sight devices will significantly improve soldiers’ ability to engage targets at distances of up to 500 metres, even under starlit or poor-light conditions. The devices will enable troops to fully utilise the extended range of the SIG 716 Assault Rifle, providing superior situational awareness and enhanced performance during nocturnal operations.
The Defence Ministry described the acquisition as a major upgrade over the existing Passive Night Sights (PNS) currently in service.
With over 51 per cent indigenous content, the procurement is also a key step towards achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The ministry noted that the initiative will benefit MSMEs involved in the production of components and supply of raw materials, further strengthening India’s domestic defence ecosystem.
