No proposal to replace INSAS Rifles for central forces: Government

NEW DELHI: At present, there is no proposal for replacement of INSAS rifles given to the central forces under the consideration of the government, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary, said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. He mentioned that different weapons have their unique features and strengths.

However, weapons like Assault Rifles (7.62 x 39 mm), Sniper Rifles, X-95 Assault Rifles, Glock Pistols, MP-5 Sub Machine Guns and Carbines have been provided to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

He said, 67,117 additional Assault Rifles (7.62 x 39 mm) have been authorized for CRPF battalions deployed in Left Wing extremism hit areas & Jammu and Kashmir region against replacement of 5.56 mm INSAS Rifles.

Modernization of weapons to security forces is a continuous process as per operational requirement of the concerned security force, the Minister said.