Indian Army To Purchase 22,000 Thermal Imaging Sights For Infantry Assault Rifles To Reduce Casualties On Border

In a bid to reduce casualties during cross-border fire or anti-terror operations, the Indian Army is now planning to buy over around 22,000 night vision devices for its infantry assault rifles, reports Sputnik News.

According to the report, as many as 82 security personnel were killed in terror attacks and cross border firing since the Balakot air strike on 26 February last year. To minimise similar losses in the future, the Indian army is seeking night vision devices for its infantry assault rifles.

The night vision devices will be reportedly manufactured in India and used by troops deployed on the frontline.

“Thermal Imaging Night Sights would enable troops to undertake long range accurate engagements in dark and all weather conditions thereby enhancing the night fighting capabilities,” the Defence Ministry was quoted in the report as saying.

As per the report, the search for the devices was launched following the approval of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh headed Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for design, development and manufacturing of ‘Thermal Imaging Night Sights’ for assault rifles in November 2019.

The Indian Army reportedly wants the thermal imaging sights to be lightweight and capable to accurately engage targets during the night time.

Further, the process to install night vision capability in tanks and light machine guns has also been initiated by the Army.