In an attempt to familiarise young cadets with the latest infantry weapon systems, the National Defence Academy (NDA) inducted the SIG Sauer SIG716 assault rifle into the training curriculum.
The SIG716 is the main rifle used by the Indian Army for frontline operations, especially in sensitive border areas.
According to a report in the Times of India, the induction of this weapon in the NDA carriculam will help the cadets to learn more about the weapon systems used by the Army from the early stages of their military education. The move will bring realism to the training of the cadets and prepare them for various operational requirements.
"The academy maintains a variety of small arms, including pistols and other weapons used by the forces. The SIG 716 has been added to give cadets first-hand experience in operating modern, high-performance rifles," Times of India quoted an Army officer as saying.
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According to the officer, this will improve the combat firing skills of the cadets even before they are commissioned as Army officers.
With an effective range of around 600 to 800 metres, the SIG 716 has significantly enhanced the firepower and combat effectiveness of Indian infantry units. The officer pointed out that early exposure to such weapon systems helps future officers to learn about the requirements of modern combat and enables them to adapt quickly once they are commissioned as officers.