Defence Ministry Seals ₹659 Crore Deal For Advanced Night Sights

The Ministry of Defence has sealed a ₹659.47 crore contract for procuring cutting-edge Night Sights (image intensifiers) tailored for the 7.62x51 mm SIG 716 assault rifles. Signed on October 15, 2025, this deal with a consortium led by M/s MKU Ltd and including M/s Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd, promises to revolutionize nighttime operations for Indian soldiers on the frontlines.

These advanced night sights are designed to unlock the full potential of the SIG 716 rifle's extended effective range, allowing troops to engage targets accurately up to 500 meters even in pitch-black, starlit conditions. This is a massive leap forward from the existing Passive Night Sights (PNS), which often fall short in low-light scenarios. Imagine soldiers turning the tide in covert ops or border skirmishes—spotting enemies from afar without giving away their position, thanks to state-of-the-art image intensification technology that amplifies faint light sources like stars or moonlight.

Classified under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, the project boasts over 51% indigenous content, aligning perfectly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. This isn't just about importing gear; it's about building India’s own defense ecosystem. The involvement of local firms like MKU Ltd, known for its expertise in ballistic protection and optronics, and Medbit Technologies, specializing in advanced electronics, ensures that critical tech stays homegrown. Accessories bundled in the deal include mounting systems, batteries, and maintenance kits, all geared towards seamless integration with the Army's arsenal.

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The ripple effects on India's economy are huge. This contract is set to supercharge the domestic defense industry by fostering partnerships with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). From sourcing raw materials like specialized optics glass to manufacturing components such as circuit boards and housings, thousands of jobs could be created across supply chains in states like Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, where these companies are based. Experts estimate that such deals could inject millions into ancillary sectors, reducing India's reliance on foreign suppliers and saving precious forex reserves.

The SIG 716 rifles themselves, already in service with elite units like the Northern Command, have proven their mettle in high-altitude and counter-insurgency roles. With these night sights, the Indian Army gains a decisive edge in modern warfare, where night dominates 50% of operations. Defense analysts hail this as a strategic move amid rising tensions along the LAC and LoC, enhancing deterrence without escalating costs.

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