Feature: New assault rifle of Indian anti-insurgency forces highlight "Made in India"

India's anti-insurgency force will soon use a new generation assault rifles to combat rebels in Indian-controlled Kashmir and restive northeast states.

The new rifle, Excalibur, is being introduced to highlight both "make in India" of the government while strengthening combat capability of soldiers against the insurgents, said defense officials recently.

In phases all Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) rifles will be replaced by Excalibur, a new and more sophisticated rifle developed by the Ishapore Rifle Factory here.

Named after the God given sword to King Arthur of England, it incorporates the good technicalities of AK-47, said sources in the factory said.

After long years of research this new rifle has been manufactured this month and initially only 15 have been made so far.

The Indian army during the trial period was happy with the new rifle and a formal approval from the Ministry of Defense had been given, according to sources of the factory.

Compared with INSAS, Excalibur was smaller in size and as such fit for close combat and can hold 30 bullets in its magazine. It weighs around 3.5 kg, one kg less than the INSAS and hence easier to carry in high altitude areas like Kashmir.

Its bullet bore will be 7.62 the range of 450 meters, 50 more than the INSAS. Its "brush fire" mode will fire 30 bullets.

Indian Army sources said that insurgents in northeastern sates of the country had united under a common umbrella and obtained sophisticated assault rifles like X 95 and Israeli made Tavers. Excalibur would be a perfect choice to counter them, they said.

A commando of elite paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force said the INSAS could not give the kind of confidence one gets with an AK 47 in hand.

"Hope Excalibur will wipe out that inferior feeling," he said. Enditem