In the ongoing Indo-Uzbek exercise Dustalik-II in Ranikhet, Uzbek troops recently learned how to handle SIG-716 assault rifles in service by the army, and in a counter-terrorist sliding from helicopters for heli-borne operations Orientation also obtained ct) environment.
“As far as weapons are concerned, we have Sig Sauer rifles … We are sharing our weapons with Uzbek soldiers. Uzbek soldiers are learning firing from Sig Sauer rifles,” Colonel, commanding officer of 13 Kumaon Regiment Amit Malik told reporters at Chaubatia in Ranikhet, nominated for practice from the Indian side.
The Uzbek military mainly uses AK series of rifles.
The role of CT is to practice sub-unit level operations under the mandate of the United Nations (UN). Colonel Malik said that in the first two days, the two sides shared each other’s practice, performance and best practices. “We are also demonstrating our technological progress … He shared his survival skills with us.”
The regiment is famous as the Rejang La Battalion for its valor in the Battle of Rejang La in the 1962 war with China.
The Army has procured 72,400 SIG-716 rifles from Sig Sauer of the US under fast track procurement and delivery has been completed. Most infantry units have since received small numbers of rifles.
The SIG-716 weighs 3.82 kg and has an effective range of 600m and is more capable and reliable than the INSAS in use, explained a soldier in the firing range. It uses a heavier caliber 7.62 mm ammunition than the 5.56 mm of the INSAS. It is a bullet to kill, the soldier said.
Last September, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of a second batch of 72,400 SIG-716 rifles.
The SIG-716 is used to replace INSAS rifles and repeated attempts by the military to purchase new rifles were thwarted. The Army urgently needs a range of small arms – assault rifles, close quarter carbines, light machine guns (LMG) and sniper rifles.
Separately, the military is in the process of inducting 6000 Negev LMGs from Israel as part of the 16,497 LMGs contracted under fast-track procurement in March 2020.
special Operations
The verification exercise involves heli-generated special operations using Mi-17 helicopters to engage troops in a whistle-blowing environment.
“We are trying to demonstrate the challenges encountered in the CT operation,” Colonel Malik said. In particular we are focusing on cordon and search operations (CASO), searching and destroying operations and raids in the jungle hideout, among others, he said.
Speaking through Sergeant Nigmatov Bahodir Norkhujavich, a translator, head of the 45-member Uzbek contingent, Colonel Namilov Azizbek Boxdrydinovich, said that the facilities at Chaubatia were very good and that the two armies were exchanging best practices. All conditions are very good for the soldiers of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan Deputy Defense Minister and Uzbek Ambassador to India are scheduled to participate in the verification exercise and closing ceremony. A Lieutenant General rank officer will be present from the Indian side.
The Uzbekistan contingent arrived in India on 7 March and the exercise began on 10 March. The verification exercise is scheduled to take place on 17 March and 18 and the closing ceremony on 19 March.
The Uzbek contingent will leave after visiting the Taj Mahal on 21 March, which according to Colonel Amit was specifically requested by the Uzbek side.
The firing exercise was aided by a smart target system manufactured by an Indian company, Zen Technologies. According to the company the system is an electro-mechanical, software-driven, acoustic projectile detection and reporting system for small arms.
On the Smart Target System, Col. Boxriddinovich stated that the system was different from the things he used but was very useful and gave immediate results.
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