INSAS Rifle
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The INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) assault rifle was developed by India in the 1980s and officially introduced into service in 1998. Designed to replace older rifles like the FN FAL, it is a 5.56x45mm, selective-fire rifle influenced by several other rifles, including the AK-47 and the FN FNC. The INSAS has a gas-operated, rotating bolt system and is equipped with a distinctive orange polymer stock. The rifle was initially designed for reliability in harsh conditions, with a semi-automatic mode for standard rifle use and a three-round burst feature for controlled automatic fire.
Production of the INSAS rifle was undertaken by the Ordnance Factories Board (now under Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited), with around 300,000 units produced over its operational lifetime. It was initially fielded by the Indian Army and paramilitary forces and was also exported to countries like Nepal and Bhutan. Despite its large-scale production, the rifle's service life was marred by performance issues, particularly in high-altitude and extreme cold environments where the rifle reportedly suffered from jamming and cracking issues, raising concerns about its reliability in combat situations.
Over time, the INSAS rifle became notorious among Indian soldiers for its frequent malfunctions and perceived lack of durability. Reports from the Kargil War and various counter-insurgency operations indicated that soldiers were frustrated with its unreliable performance, leading to increased calls for its replacement. This led India to adopt the AK-203, developed in collaboration with Russia, to phase out the INSAS. Despite these issues, the INSAS remains a significant part of India's arms development history, reflecting the nation's efforts to establish a domestic arms industry.
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