Non-Subscriber ExtractIndian Army to procure lightweight firearms for anti-terrorist operations |
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By Rahul Bedi
13 October 2009
The Indian army is planning to procure an unspecified number of 7.62 mm general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs) and 9 mm pistols for its special forces (SFs) and parachute units to provide them with more firepower for anti-terrorist and counter-insurgency (COIN) operations.
A recently issued request for information (RfI) to overseas weapon makers said the SFs are seeking a "lightweight, easy to carry and operate" GPMG with a 1,200 m range, one with which a paratrooper can ably execute "static line and freefall parachute jumps".
SF sources said the successful employment of 7.62 mm GPMGs by US and NATO forces on COIN operations in Afghanistan and Iraq had prompted the proposed purchase.