INSAS rifle - Revision history

LaverneHenry at 06:14, 13 March 2026

2026-03-13T06:14:42Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 25 October 2022
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	{{Short description\|Indian family of infantry arms}}		{{Short description\|Indian family of infantry arms}}
	{{Redirect\|INSAS\|the Belgian film school\|INSAS (film school)\|India's future soldier program\|F-INSAS}}		{{Redirect\|INSAS\|the Belgian film school\|INSAS (film school)\|India's future soldier program\|F-INSAS}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=May ~~2022~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2020}}
	{{Infobox weapon		{{Infobox weapon
	\| name = INSAS Rifle		\| name = INSAS Rifle
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	The LMG (Light Machine Gun) differs from the standard rifle in possessing a longer range of 700 m, as compared to 400 m range of INSAS standard and assault rifles. It has a longer and heavier barrel with revised rifling, and a bipod. The LMG version uses 30-round magazines and can also accept the 20-round INSAS AR magazine. This model fires in semi and full-auto.<ref name="lmg1">{{cite web\|title=LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/13.htm\|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]\|access-date=29 May 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930044841/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/13.htm\|archive-date=30 September 2013\|url-status=live}}</ref> It also has a foldable-butt version.<ref name="lmg2">{{cite web\|title=LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Foldable Butt)\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/14.htm\|access-date=29 May 2014\|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930044824/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/14.htm\|archive-date=30 September 2013\|url-status=live}}</ref>		The LMG (Light Machine Gun) differs from the standard rifle in possessing a longer range of 700 m, as compared to 400 m range of INSAS standard and assault rifles. It has a longer and heavier barrel with revised rifling, and a bipod. The LMG version uses 30-round magazines and can also accept the 20-round INSAS AR magazine. This model fires in semi and full-auto.<ref name="lmg1">{{cite web\|title=LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/13.htm\|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]\|access-date=29 May 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930044841/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/13.htm\|archive-date=30 September 2013\|url-status=live}}</ref> It also has a foldable-butt version.<ref name="lmg2">{{cite web\|title=LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Foldable Butt)\|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/14.htm\|access-date=29 May 2014\|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930044824/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/14.htm\|archive-date=30 September 2013\|url-status=live}}</ref>

	The LMG will be replaced with the [[IWI Negev\|IWI Negev Ng7]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/india-orders-iwis-negev-7-62\|title=India orders IWI's Negev 7.62\|first=Olga\|last=Ruzhelnyk\|date=24 March ~~2022~~}}</ref>		The LMG will be replaced with the [[IWI Negev\|IWI Negev Ng7]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web\|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/india-orders-iwis-negev-7-62\|title=India orders IWI's Negev 7.62\|first=Olga\|last=Ruzhelnyk\|date=24 March 2020}}</ref>

	===Excalibur===		===Excalibur===
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	* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224034637/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/OFT/rifle-5-56mm-1b1 \|date=February 24, 2020\|title=5.56 mm Assault Rifle (Fixed Butt)}}		* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224034637/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/OFT/rifle-5-56mm-1b1 \|date=February 24, 2020\|title=5.56 mm Assault Rifle (Fixed Butt)}}
	* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609093746/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/SAF/rifle-5-56-mm \|date=June 9, 2020\|title=RIFLE 5.56 mm}}		* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609093746/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/SAF/rifle-5-56-mm \|date=June 9, 2020\|title=RIFLE 5.56 mm}}
	* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609093534/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/SAF/lmg-5-56-mm\|title=LMG 5.56 mm\|date=June 9, ~~2022~~}}		* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609093534/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/SAF/lmg-5-56-mm\|title=LMG 5.56 mm\|date=June 9, 2020}}
	* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811212653/https://ofbindia.gov.in/product/products/product-details/5-56mm-insas-1c-rifle \|date=August 11, 2020\|title=5.56MM INSAS 1C RIFLE}}		* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811212653/https://ofbindia.gov.in/product/products/product-details/5-56mm-insas-1c-rifle \|date=August 11, 2020\|title=5.56MM INSAS 1C RIFLE}}
	* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004172203/http://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/5-56-insas-foldable-butt1 \|date=October 4, 2021\|title=INSAS 1B1}}		* {{webarchive \|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004172203/http://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/5-56-insas-foldable-butt1 \|date=October 4, 2021\|title=INSAS 1B1}}

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Show changes

>Swastik Mridha at 20:28, 17 January 2022

2022-01-17T20:28:14Z

New page

{{Short description|Indian family of infantry arms}}
{{Redirect|INSAS|the Belgian film school|INSAS (film school)|India's future soldier program|F-INSAS}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = INSAS Rifle
| image = INSAS Black.JPG
| image_size = 300
| caption = INSAS rifle in Indian army
| origin = [[India]]
| type = [[Assault rifle]] [[Light machine gun]]
| is_ranged = Yes
| service = 1998–present
| used_by = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]''
| wars = [[Kargil War]]<ref name=weary-army/> [[Nepalese Civil War]]<ref name=shed-power/> [[Naxalite–Maoist insurgency]]<ref name=crpf/>
| designer = 
| design_date = 1980s–1997
| manufacturer = [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]] [[Ordnance Factories Board]]
| production_date = 1994<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Jayanta |title=End of the line for the Insas rifle |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/End-of-the-line-for-the-Insas-rifle/articleshow/25646778.cms |work=The Times of India |language=en |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005230852/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/End-of-the-line-for-the-Insas-rifle/articleshow/25646778.cms |archive-date=5 October 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>–present
| number = 100,000 (Assault Rifles) and 6,000 (LMG) (2012)<ref>[https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=84268]{{Dead link|date=June 2020}}</ref> 700,000–900,000 (2019)<ref>{{cite book |last1=Karp |first1=Aaron |last2=Rajagopalan |first2=Rajesh |title=Small Arms of the Indian State |pages=5 |url=https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/176291/IAVA-IB4-small-arms-of-indian-state.pdf |access-date=9 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102193406/https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/176291/IAVA-IB4-small-arms-of-indian-state.pdf |archive-date=2 January 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| variants = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
| weight = {{convert|4.018|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (without magazine)<ref name=std/>
| length = {{convert|960|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=std/>
| part_length = {{convert|464|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| cartridge = [[5.56×45mm NATO]]<ref name=std/>
| action = [[Gas-operated]], [[Rotating bolt]]
| rate = 600–650 rounds/min<ref name=std/>
| velocity = {{convert| 915|m/s|0|lk=on|abbr=on}}<ref name=":0" />
| range = 400m (Insas Rifle) 600 m: Point targets (Insas LMG) 700 m: Area target (Insas LMG)<ref name=std/>
| feed = 20- or 30-round detachable [[box magazine]]
| sights = In-built [[iron sights]], mount point for telescopic or night sight
}}

'''INSAS''' '''or Indian Small Arms System'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/19880915-indian-army-prepares-to-switch-to-new-rifles-797701-1988-09-15|title=Indian Army prepares to switch to new rifles|website=India Today|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418031609/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/defence/story/19880915-indian-army-prepares-to-switch-to-new-rifles-797701-1988-09-15|archive-date=18 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> is a family of infantry arms consisting of an [[assault rifle]] and a [[light machine gun]] (LMG). It was designed by the [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]] and manufactured by the [[Ordnance Factories Board]] at its various factories.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=2021-03-05|title=With AK-203, Indian Military’s Quest for a New Assault Rifle to Replace INSAS is Almost Over|url=https://www.news18.com/news/opinion/with-ak-203-indian-militarys-quest-for-a-new-assault-rifle-to-replace-insas-is-almost-over-3501134.html|access-date=2021-10-22|website=News18|language=en}}</ref> The INSAS assault rifle was the standard infantry weapon of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] for almost three decades.<ref name=weary-army/><ref name="Cutshaw2011"/><ref name=":2" />

==History==
The development of INSAS assault rifle began in mid-1980s, when the Indian Army released a general staff qualitative requirement for a new assault rifle to replace locally produced licensed copy<ref>"UK and Commonwealth FALs, by R. Blake Stevens, Collector Grade Publications, 1980, pages 231-233</ref> of the [[L1A1 self-loading rifle]]s,<ref name="Cutshaw2011">{{cite book|author=Charles Q. Cutshaw|title=Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century: A Complete Guide to Small Arms From Around the World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=npHP9aV5rBgC&pg=PA207|access-date=28 May 2014|date=28 February 2011|publisher=Gun Digest Books|isbn=978-1-4402-2482-9|page=207|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708204055/http://books.google.com/books?id=npHP9aV5rBgC&pg=PA207|archive-date=8 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> which the Army was using since 1961.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Johnston|first=Gary Paul|title=The World's Assault Rifles|last2=Nelson|first2=Thomas B.|publisher=Ironside International Publishers, Inc.|isbn=9781619846012}}</ref> The new assault rifle was to chamber [[5.56×45mm NATO]] cartridge unlike the L1A1 SLR rifle which chamber [[7.62×51mm NATO]] cartridge.<ref name=":0" /> This change in higher calibre to lower calibre was attributed to the new battle doctrine – ''hit to injure,'' which would require at least 2–3 soldiers to evacuate the casualty.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Alex Philip|first=Snehesh|date=15 March 2021|title=Army to equip all infantry battalions, not just frontline troops, with US Sig Sauer rifles|url=https://theprint.in/defence/army-to-equip-all-infantry-battalions-not-just-frontline-troops-with-us-sig-sauer-rifles/621984/|access-date=22 October 2021}}</ref> This doctrine was thought to add burden on enemy troops and logistics. But in practice, this doctrine was later found to be ineffective in the Kargil war. In the 1999 Kargil war Pakistan not only refused to evacuate the casualty but also refused to accept the dead, calling them [[mujahideen|mujahideens]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Bearak|first=Barry|date=1999-07-17|title=India Buries Soldiers That Pakistan Won't Claim|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/07/17/world/india-buries-soldiers-that-pakistan-won-t-claim.html|access-date=2021-10-22|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

After studying a number of designs, the [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]] (ARDE) in [[Pune]] undertaken the task to design and develop India's first assault rifle. The development and user trials of the new rifle – INSAS was completed by 1989 and entered into service in 1990.<ref name="Walter2006">{{cite book|author=John Walter|title=Rifles of the World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Eq2Dnj4sDZIC&pg=PA210|access-date=28 May 2014|date=25 March 2006|publisher=Krause Publications|isbn=0-89689-241-7|pages=209–210|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708204553/http://books.google.com/books?id=Eq2Dnj4sDZIC&pg=PA210|archive-date=8 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

Originally, three variants were planned in the INSAS system, a [[rifle]], a [[carbine]] and a [[squad automatic weapon]] (SAW) or [[Light machine gun]] (LMG). In 1997, the rifle and the LMG went into mass production.<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/> In 1998, the first INSAS rifles were displayed at the [[Republic Day (India)|republic day]] parade.<ref name=weary-army/> The introduction of the rifle was delayed due to the lack of adequate 5.56×45mm ammunition, large quantities of the same were bought from [[Israel Military Industries]].<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/>
[[File:Indian soldiers in combat during operation vijay.jpg|thumb|Indian soldiers in combat with INSAS rifle during [[Kargil War]]]]

The first combat use of the rifle was during the [[Kargil War]] in 1999.<ref name=weary-army>{{cite news|title=INSAS-weary army shops for new infantry arms|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/article1381326.ece|access-date=28 May 2014|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=16 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529054154/http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/article1381326.ece|archive-date=29 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Cutshaw2011"/>

==Design==
The INSAS is primarily based on the AKM but incorporates features from other rifles. It has a chrome-plated bore. The barrel has a six-groove [[rifling]]. The basic gas operated [[Gas-operated reloading#Long-stroke piston|long stroke piston]] and the [[rotating bolt]] are similar to the [[AKM]]/[[AK-47]].<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/>

[[File:Indian Army Personnel during Maitree exercise 2018.jpg|thumb|Indian Army soldiers in an exercise with the INSAS rifle.]]
[[File:US Navy 061025-N-0209M-002 Indian Soldiers assigned to the 9th Battalion of the Sikh Infantry arrive aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) to participate in Malabar 2006.jpg|thumb|Soldiers assigned to the 9th Battalion of the [[Sikh Light Infantry]] regiment carrying INSAS rifles, arrives onboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) to participate in [[Malabar (naval exercise)|Malabar exercise]] 2006]]
[[File:Active stage of Indra-2015 (08).jpg|thumb|Indian infantry soldier armed with an INSAS rifle taking position with his Russian counterpart during [[INDRA (naval exercise)|Indra execise]] 2015]]

It has a manual gas regulator, similar to that of [[FN FAL]], and a gas cutoff for launching grenades. The [[charging handle]] is on the left instead of on the bolt carrier, similar in operation to the [[Heckler & Koch HK33|HK33]].<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/> The fire selector is placed on the left side of the [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]] above the pistol grip, it can be set to semi–auto, three round burst and full auto. To set it to safe, the selector has to be rotated all the way up, which will block the sear and prevent the rifle from firing.<ref name=":0" /> It has three modes of fire – semi-automatic, three-round [[Burst mode (weapon)|burst]] and full automatic modes.<ref name=":0" /> The cyclic rate averages at 650 rpm. It has transparent magazine much like that of [[Steyr AUG]] and is made of polymer.<ref name=":0" /> The rear [[Iron sights|sight]] lies on one end of the [[Breechblock|breech cover]] and is calibrated to 400 meters.

The furniture is either made of wood or polymer.<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/> The polymer [[Stock (firearms)|butt]] and forend assemblies differ from the AKM and are more similar to that of [[IMI Galil]]. Some variants have a folding butt. A [[bayonet]] can also be attached to it.<ref name="Walter2006"/>

The guns take 20- or 30-round polymer magazines. The 30-round magazine is made for the LMG version, but can be also used in the rifle. The flash suppressor also accepts NATO-specification [[rifle grenade]]s.<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/>
===Performance===
The INSAS assault rifle was battle tested in the 1999 [[Kargil War]]. The three month long war was fought in the high altitudes of the [[Himalayas]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|last=Singh|first=Danvir|title=Indian Defence Review|publisher=Lancer Publishers LLC|year=4 September 2015|isbn=9781940988207}}</ref> where temperature would go as low as –20 degree Celsius.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-01-03|title=Bone chilling cold in Kargil, minimum settles at -20 degrees Celsius|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/kargil-slips-into-deep-freeze-at-minus-20-6/999724/|access-date=2021-10-20|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref> During the conflict the rifle encountered some problems such as occasional often serious stoppage, cracking of polymer magazine due to the cold weather and some other reliability issues such as firing in full auto when set for 3 shot burst.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=weary-army/> Similar complaints were also received from the [[Nepalese Army]].<ref name="weary-army" /> In the Kargil war neither the INSAS proved reliable nor the Army was satisfied with the new rifle. Also the Army which was used to the [[7.62×51mm NATO]] round for almost three decades, found dissatisfied with the stopping power of the new [[5.56×45mm NATO]] rounds.<ref name="weary-army" /> In 2001, an improved variant of the rifle was introduced taking the feedback of the Indian Army. The new variant of the rifle was called INSAS–1B1.<ref name="HuntOnET">{{cite news|title=Hunt on for new generation assault rifles; upgraded INSAS not a replacement|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/hunt-on-for-new-generation-assault-rifles-upgraded-insas-not-a-replacement/articleshow/50387635.cms|access-date=22 February 2016|work=The Economic Times|date=31 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330023219/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/hunt-on-for-new-generation-assault-rifles-upgraded-insas-not-a-replacement/articleshow/50387635.cms|archive-date=30 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The INSAS rifle saw limited use in the Indian Army's counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir,<ref>{{Cite news|title=INSAS rifles to retire; to be replaced by imported weapons|work=The Economic Times|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/insas-rifles-to-retire-to-be-replaced-by-imported-weapons/articleshow/57479154.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-10-22}}</ref> but was extensively used by Central Armed Police Forces in combating Maoist insurgency.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-01-19|title=Tihar Jail seeks more lethal rifles to thwart terror strike|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/tihar-jail-seeks-more-lethal-rifles-to-thwart-terror-strike/story-uKRroMqyhKX970SouIxuRK.html|access-date=2021-10-22|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

Currently the INSAS assault rifles are being replaced in the army with the [[AK-203]] assault rifles<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/joint-venture-for-ak-203-rifles-factory-at-amethi-was-the-fastest-ever-created-with-russia/articleshow/70144865.cms?from=mdr|title=Joint venture for AK 203 rifles factory at Amethi was the 'fastest ever' created with Russia|first=Manu|last=Pubby|date=9 July 2019|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> and the [[SIG Sauer SIG516|SIG 716]]i [[designated marksman rifle]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-army-gets-new-american-assault-rifles-in-kashmir-valley-against-terrorists-pakistan-army-on-loc/articleshow/72467643.cms|title=Indian Army gets new American assault rifles in Kashmir Valley against terrorists, Pakistan Army on LoC|date=11 December 2019|via=The Economic Times}}</ref> The LMG variant of INSAS is being replaced with the [[IWI Negev]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/defence-ministry-signs-contract-for-16479-light-machine-guns-for-frontline-troops-with-israel-weapons-industries/articleshow/74716149.cms?from=mdr|title=Defence Ministry signs contract for 16,479 Light Machine Guns for frontline troops with Israel Weapons Industries|first=Shaurya Karanbir|last=Gurung|date=19 March 2020|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref> However these rifles will remain in service with the police and other paramilitary forces and are being used as a replacement for the decades old bolt action [[Ishapore 2A1 rifle|Ishapore 2A1]] rifles.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Qureshi|first=Siraj|date=29 November 2019|title=UP Police retires 20th century rifles after 70 years of service|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uttar-pradesh-police-rifles-lee-enfield-out-of-service-retire-1623806-2019-11-29|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-26|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>

==Variants==
===INSAS Standard Rifle===
It is a gas operated assault rifle. It can be fired in single round or three-round burst mode. A telescopic sight or a passive night sight can be mounted on it. It can take NATO-standard [[5.56×45mm]] SS109 and M193 ammunition. It comes with a bayonet. It has a mount point for the [[ARDE 40 mm under barrel grenade launcher]], along with a gas-block for launching grenades and grenade iron-sights. The flash suppressor has a [[blank-firing adaptor]].<ref name=std>{{cite web|title=Rifle 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/11.htm|publisher=Ordnance Factories Board|access-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930044510/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/11.htm|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> It also has a foldable butt version.<ref name=fold>{{cite web|title=5.56 mm INSAS Rifle (Foldable Butt)|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/12.htm|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]|access-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930044731/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/12.htm|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

An INSAS assault rifle with black furniture, incorporating full-auto mode was introduced later. The automatic assault rifle has the same range of 400 m as the semi-automatic standard INSAS rifle.<ref name="FixedButt">{{cite web|title=5.56 mm Assault Rifle (Fixed Butt)|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/10.htm|website=Ordnance Factories Board|access-date=22 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304231204/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/10.htm|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

===LMG===
[[File:INSAS LMG.JPG|thumb|INSAS LMG]]
The LMG (Light Machine Gun) differs from the standard rifle in possessing a longer range of 700 m, as compared to 400 m range of INSAS standard and assault rifles. It has a longer and heavier barrel with revised rifling, and a bipod. The LMG version uses 30-round magazines and can also accept the 20-round INSAS AR magazine. This model fires in semi and full-auto.<ref name="lmg1">{{cite web|title=LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/13.htm|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]|access-date=29 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930044841/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/13.htm|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> It also has a foldable-butt version.<ref name="lmg2">{{cite web|title=LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Foldable Butt)|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/14.htm|access-date=29 May 2014|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930044824/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/14.htm|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The LMG will be replaced with the [[IWI Negev|IWI Negev Ng7]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/india-orders-iwis-negev-7-62|title=India orders IWI's Negev 7.62|first=Olga|last=Ruzhelnyk|date=24 March 2020}}</ref>

===Excalibur===
{{Main|Excalibur rifle}}
The ''[[Excalibur rifle|Excalibur]]'', with a range of 400 m, can be used for battlefield engagements as well as for close combat. It is lighter and shorter as compared to the automatic INSAS assault rifle.<ref name=excali>{{cite web|title=Rifle Excalibur|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/23.htm|access-date=29 May 2014|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420054849/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/23.htm|archive-date=20 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2015, it was reported that the INSAS may be replaced by the Modified INSAS rifle (MIR), which is based on the Excalibur variant. The decision was taken by General [[Dalbir Singh]], who wanted an indigenous rifle.<ref name="MadeinIndia">{{cite news|last=Unnithan|first=Sandeep|title=Exclusive: Made in India rifles to replace INSAS|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/assault-rifle-excalibur-drdo-dalbir-singh-indian-army-arde-280690-2015-07-05|work=Mail Today|date=5 July 2015|access-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605130612/https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/assault-rifle-excalibur-drdo-dalbir-singh-indian-army-arde-280690-2015-07-05|archive-date=5 June 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="JanesCancels">{{cite news|title=Indian Army cancels rifle, carbine tenders|url=http://www.janes.com/article/52818/indian-army-cancels-rifle-carbine-tenders|access-date=23 February 2016|work=[[Jane's Defence Weekly]]|date=7 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901050102/http://www.janes.com/article/52818/indian-army-cancels-rifle-carbine-tenders|archive-date=1 September 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The prototype had two stoppages after firing 24,000 rounds, which was very close the army's specification of one stoppage. It was also reported that another prototype of Excalibur, AR-2, was being prepared which would fire 7.62×39mm rounds of the AK-47.<ref name="MadeinIndia"/>

The prototype incorporates a direct gas-tapping angle to reduce the recoil. The rifle would have automatic and single shot modes. The three-round burst mode of the INSAS has been dropped. The rifle would have a folding butt and a standard [[Picatinny rail]]. By September 2015, it had passed the water and mud tests, which four of the foreign rifles in the tender competition had failed. It was also reported 200 rifles were being manufactured and that prototype would undergo formal trials in late 2015.<ref name="IndigenousExcalibur">{{cite news|title=Army prepares for crucial trials as chief insists on indigenous Excalibur|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/army-prepares-for-crucial-trials-as-chief-insists-on-indigenous-excalibur-115090300012_1.html|access-date=23 February 2016|work=[[Business Standard]]|date=3 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227001415/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/army-prepares-for-crucial-trials-as-chief-insists-on-indigenous-excalibur-115090300012_1.html|archive-date=27 February 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Kalantak and Amogh===
The ''Kalantak'' micro assault rifle, with a range of 300 m, is for close combat and personnel defence weapon roles.<ref name=kal>{{cite web|title=Kalantak Micro Assault Rifle|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/add_32.htm|access-date=29 May 2014|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930044531/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/add_32.htm|archive-date=30 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Amogh carbine]], with a range of 200 m, is specially designed for close quarter battle roles.<ref name=amogh>{{cite web|title=Amogh Carbine|url=http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/add_31.htm|access-date=20 November 2015|publisher=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127152613/http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/add_31.htm|archive-date=27 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Bullpup===
[[Lieutenant colonel|Lieutenant Colonel]] Prasad Bansod, of Army School [[Mhow]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Siddiqui|first=Huma|date=2021-01-14|title=Meet Lt Col Prasad Bansod: Infantry School officer behind India's first indigenously Developed 9mm Machine Pistol|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/meet-lt-col-prasad-bansod-infantry-school-officer-behind-indias-first-indigenously-developed-9mm-machine-pistol/2171014/|access-date=2021-01-15|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref> [[reverse engineering|reverse engineered]] an INSAS rifle to produce a [[bullpup]] [[carbine]] variant. He reportedly did this in his spare time. This prototype gun was shown in exhibition but never approved.

==Operators==
[[File:Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI) soldier.jpg|thumb|150px|right|A soldier of [[Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry]] regiment wielding an INSAS]]
* {{flag|India}}: Assault rifle and LMG variants have been adopted.<ref name=weary-army/><ref name=crpf>{{cite news|title=Anti-Naxal operations: CRPF prefers AK rifles to INSAS, bulk purchase on cards|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/anti-naxal-operations-crpf-prefers-ak-rifles-to-insas-bulk-purchase-on-cards/|access-date=29 May 2014|date=4 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140523235400/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/anti-naxal-operations-crpf-prefers-ak-rifles-to-insas-bulk-purchase-on-cards/|archive-date=23 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=JHpolice>{{cite news|title=.303 rifles replaced with INSAS: JH police|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/-303-rifles-replaced-with-insas-jh-police-112091100353_1.html|access-date=29 May 2014|newspaper=[[Business Standard]]|date=11 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529085203/http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/-303-rifles-replaced-with-insas-jh-police-112091100353_1.html|archive-date=29 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=GoaPolice>{{cite news|title=INSAS rifles to give police more fire power|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/INSAS-rifles-to-give-police-more-fire-power/articleshow/4777866.cms|access-date=29 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 July 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231182902/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/INSAS-rifles-to-give-police-more-fire-power/articleshow/4777866.cms|archive-date=31 December 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
**[[Indian Armed Forces]], to be replaced by 750,000 [[AK-203]] rifles and 144,400 [[SIG Sauer SIG516#SIG716|SIG-716]] Patrol G2 rifles as per the latest contract.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-to-sign-mou-for-ak-203-assault-rifles-in-a-month/article30486064.ece|title=Army to sign MoU for AK-203 assault rifles in a month|first=Dinakar|last=Peri|newspaper=The Hindu|date=5 January 2020|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last1=DelhiJuly 12|first1=Manjeet Singh Negi New|last2=July 12|first2=2020UPDATED|last3=Ist|first3=2020 16:51|title=Army to place order for 72,000 more Sig716 assault rifles from US|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/army-to-place-order-for-72-000-more-sig716-assault-rifles-from-us-1699762-2020-07-12|access-date=2020-07-12|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> INSAS LMGs to be replaced by the [[IMI Negev|IWI Negev NG7]] as per latest contract for 16,479 NG7s.<ref name="auto"/>
** [[Indian Paramilitary Forces]]
** [[Central Armed Police Forces]]
** [[State Police Services]]

*{{flag|Bhutan}}: Used by the [[Royal Bhutan Army]].<ref name="MishraReetika">{{cite book|author1=Reetika Sharma, Ramvir Goria, Vivek Mishra|author2=Sharma Reetika|title=India and the Dynamics of World Politics: A book on Indian Foreign Policy, Related events and International Organizations|year=2011|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eOiXLCWUiB4C&pg=PA128|access-date=29 May 2014|publisher=Pearson Education India|isbn=978-81-317-3291-5|page=128|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708205247/http://books.google.com/books?id=eOiXLCWUiB4C&pg=PA128|archive-date=8 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Nepal}}: The [[Nepalese Army]] had received about 26,000 rifles since 2001,<ref name ='SAS 2005'>{{cite book|url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|chapter-url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/A-Yearbook/2005/en/Small-Arms-Survey-2005-Chapter-04-EN.pdf|chapter=Reaching for the Big Picture: An Update on Small Arms Transfers|title=Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|year=2005|author=Small Arms Survey|author-link=Small Arms Survey|page=101|isbn=978-0-19-928085-8|access-date=29 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830004838/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/publications/by-type/yearbook/small-arms-survey-2005.html|archive-date=30 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> supplied at a 70% subsidy by India.<ref name=shed-power>{{cite news|title=Wikileaks news: Why Nepal king Gyanendra shed power|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/wikileaks-news-why-nepal-king-gyanendra-shed-power/articleshow/9881252.cms|access-date=29 May 2014|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=6 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129005026/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/wikileaks-news-why-nepal-king-gyanendra-shed-power/articleshow/9881252.cms|archive-date=29 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> As of July 20, 2020, the Nepali Army transferred 600 INSAS rifles to the Nepali Armed Police Force.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nepali Army {{!}} नेपाली सेना|url=https://www.nepalarmy.mil.np/viewnews/438|access-date=2021-03-03|website=www.nepalarmy.mil.np}}</ref>
*{{flag|Oman}}: In 2010, the [[Royal Army of Oman]] started using the INSAS rifles sent to them as per a defence agreement signed in 2003 between India and Oman.<ref name="oman">{{cite news|title=Oman army all set to use India's INSAS rifles|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/oman-army-all-set-to-use-india-s-insas-rifles/article1-534688.aspx|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|access-date=29 May 2014|date=22 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313070210/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/oman-army-all-set-to-use-india-s-insas-rifles/article1-534688.aspx|archive-date=13 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*{{flag|Swaziland}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/insas.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=18 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520204535/http://www.military-today.com/firearms/insas.htm |archive-date=20 May 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|INSAS rifle}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201023805/http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/11.htm |date=December 1, 2017|title=Rifle 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201024929/http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/12.htm |date=December 1, 2017|title=5.56 mm INSAS Rifle (Foldable Butt)}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201024809/http://ofb.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/13.htm |date=December 1, 2017|title=LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201024634/http://www.ofb.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/14.htm |date=December 1, 2017|title=LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Foldable Butt)}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224034637/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/OFT/rifle-5-56mm-1b1 |date=February 24, 2020|title=RIFLE 5.56 mm 1B1}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224034637/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/OFT/rifle-5-56mm-1b1 |date=February 24, 2020|title=5.56 mm Assault Rifle (Fixed Butt)}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609093746/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/SAF/rifle-5-56-mm |date=June 9, 2020|title=RIFLE 5.56 mm}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609093534/https://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/SAF/lmg-5-56-mm|title=LMG 5.56 mm|date=June 9, 2020}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811212653/https://ofbindia.gov.in/product/products/product-details/5-56mm-insas-1c-rifle |date=August 11, 2020|title=5.56MM INSAS 1C RIFLE}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004172203/http://ofb.gov.in/unit/pages/RFI/5-56-insas-foldable-butt1 |date=October 4, 2021|title=INSAS 1B1}}

{{AK-47 derivatives}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}
{{Current Indian infantry weapons}}
{{Ordnance Factories Board}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Insas Rifle}}
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]]
[[Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
[[Category:Light machine guns]]
[[Category:Machine guns of India]]
[[Category:Rifles of India]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1998]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov derivatives]]