The defence ministry, on Wednesday, signed a contract agreement worth Rs 659.47 crore under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM or Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category' for advanced night sight devices capable of target engagement up to 500 meters, increasing the operational efficiency, situational awareness, and combat readiness of the forces during poor/low-light and night missions.
The deal has been signed for the procurement of Night Sight (Image Intensifier) for 7.62 x 51mm Assault Rifle, along with accessories for the Indian Army with MKU Ltd (Lead Member) and Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd.
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The Night Sight will enable soldiers to fully exploit the longer effective range of the SIG 716 Assault Rifle, especially during night operations. These image intensifiers are capable of enhancing target engagement capability up to around 500 meters even under starlit or low-light conditions, ensuring that the soldiers have better situational awareness during operations.
The defence ministry said Night Sight will come as a major improvement over the existing Passive Night Sights (PNS).
The procurement also comes as a major step in ensuring self-reliance in defence manufacturing, as the equipment will have over 51 per cent indigenous content.
"The initiative will also benefit the MSMEs involved in the manufacturing of components and supply of raw material," the defence ministry noted.