In the Indian army, the transition from adopted to 1998 INSAS assault rifle year for other small arms options, including Kalashnikov assault rifles of one of the new versions (AK-203).
Recall, that between Russia and India a contract was signed for the supply of Indian troops 670 thousand AK-203, most of which will be assembled at an Indian plant under a Russian license. In India it was reported, that the price of one AK-203 in the end will be about 1,1 thousand dollars taking into account technologies transferred by the Russian Federation. 100 thousand trunks will arrive in India from Russia.
In this regard, the statements of the Indian military about the remaining INSAS assault rifles of caliber are noteworthy. 5,56 mm. Indian military celebrate, that INSAS is actually a useless automatic weapon, when it comes to shooting more than 500-600 m. for comparison: sighting range AK-203 - 800 m (some time ago there was information about, that it is increased to 1 km).
From a critical statement by an Indian soldier:
INSAS - assault rifle for infantry units. But today often have to fire in border areas. And the accuracy and efficiency of the enemy’s automatic small arms, as it turns out, surpasses similar characteristics of our weapons. If the enemy is meters 500-600, then we shoot like birds (Indian version of the Russian-language "shooting at milk"). Ammunition consumed, and the result is extremely low. Have to get close, which only increases the threat to ourselves.
Today INSAS rifles are operated not only in India, but also in countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Oman and some African countries.
The new desired caliber automatic weapons for the Indian army – 7,62 mm.
It should be remembered, that INSAS was developed on the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, but this, perhaps, one of those cases, when even technology transferred to India did not help create an effective and reliable weapon.
