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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|Institut national supérieur des arts du spectacle et des techniques de diffusion|India's future soldier program|F-INSAS}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
| name              = INSAS Rifle
| name              = INSAS rifle
| image              = INSAS Black.JPG
| image              = INSAS rifle (Browngirl06).jpg
| image_size        = 300
| image_size        = 300
| caption            = INSAS rifle in Indian army
| caption            = INSAS rifle in the Indian army
| origin            = [[India]]
| origin            = [[India]]
| type              = [[Assault rifle]] <br>[[Light machine gun]] (INSAS LMG)
| type              = [[Assault rifle]] <br />[[Light machine gun]]  
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = Yes
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = Yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1998–present
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1998–present
| used_by            = See ''[[INSAS rifle#Operators|Operators]]''
| used_by            = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]''
| wars              = [[Kargil War]]<ref name=weary-army/> <br/> [[Nepalese Civil War]]<ref name=shed-power/><br/> [[Naxalite–Maoist insurgency]]<ref name=crpf/>
| wars              = [[Kargil War]]<ref name=weary-army/> <br /> [[Nepalese Civil War]]<ref name=shed-power/><br /> [[Naxalite–Maoist insurgency]]<ref name=crpf/> <br />[[Insurgency in Northeast India]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/story-240451|title=6 Assam Rifles personnel killed in Manipur ambush|work=The Tribune|accessdate=2023-04-28}}</ref> <br />[[Operation All Clear]]<br /> [[Myanmar civil war (2021–present)|Myanmar Civil War]]<ref name=myan/><br>[[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]<br />
<!-- Production history -->| designer          = <!--only appropriate for individuals, not for project leaders or a company or corporation-->
<!-- Production history -->| designer          = [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]]
| design_date        = 1980s–1997
| design_date        = 1980s–1997
| manufacturer      = [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]] <br/>[[Ordnance Factories Board]]
| manufacturer      = [[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
| 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>{{Cite web |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=84268 |title=Archived copy |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=24 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224035216/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx%3Frelid%3D84268 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br>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>
| number            = 100,000 (Assault Rifles) and 6,000 (LMG) (2012)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx?relid=84268 |title=Manufacturing of Small Weapons|publisher=Ministry of Defence|website=pib.gov.in |date=21 May 2012 |access-date=24 February 2020 |archive-date=26 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826043916/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/erelcontent.aspx%3Frelid%3D84268 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />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]]''
| variants          = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->| weight            = {{convert|4.018|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (without magazine)<ref name=std/>
<!-- General specifications -->| weight            = {{convert|4.018|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (without magazine)<ref name=std/><br/>{{convert|6.23|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (LMG)
| length            = {{convert|960|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=std/>
| length            = {{convert|960|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=std/><br/>{{convert|1050|mm|in|abbr=on}} (LMG)
| part_length        = {{convert|464|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| part_length        = {{convert|464|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br/>{{convert|535|mm|in|abbr=on}} (LMG)
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = [[5.56×45mm NATO]]<ref name=std/>
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = [[5.56×45mm NATO]]<ref name=std/>
| action            = [[Gas-operated]], [[Rotating bolt]]
| action            = [[Gas-operated]], [[Rotating bolt]]
| rate              = 600–650 rounds/min<ref name=std/>
| rate              = singles, 3 round burst<br/>600–650 rounds/min<ref name=std/> (LMG)
| velocity          = {{convert| 915|m/s|0|lk=on|abbr=on}}<ref name=":0" />
| velocity          = {{convert| 915|m/s|0|lk=on|abbr=on}}<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last1=Johnston|first1=Gary Paul|title=The World's Assault Rifles|last2=Nelson|first2=Thomas B.|date=15 December 2016 |publisher=Ironside International Publishers, Inc.|isbn=9781619846012}}{{page number needed|date=March 2026}}</ref>
| range              = 400m (Insas Rifle)<br> 600 m: Point targets (Insas LMG)<br> 700 m: Area target (Insas LMG)<ref name=std/>
| range              = 400m (INSAS Rifle)<br /> 600 m: Point targets (INSAS LMG)<br /> 700 m: Area target (INSAS LMG)<ref name=std/>
| feed              = 20- or 30-round detachable [[box magazine]]
| feed              = 20- or 30-round detachable [[box magazine]]
| sights            = In-built [[iron sights]], mount point for telescopic or night sight
| 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" />
The '''INSAS''',<ref name="INSASR">{{cite web|url=https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2022/08/mygov-999999999208486606.pdf|title=INSAS Rifles|website=static.mygov.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222135054/https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2022/08/mygov-999999999208486606.pdf|archive-date=22 December 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> 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|date=15 September 1988 |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). These weapons were developed in [[India]] 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> It was the standard infantry weapon of the [[Indian Armed Forces]] for almost three decades.<ref name=weary-army/><ref name="Cutshaw2011"/>


==History==
==History==
The development of the 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|last1=Johnston|first1=Gary Paul|title=The World's Assault Rifles|last2=Nelson|first2=Thomas B.|date=15 December 2016 |publisher=Ironside International Publishers, Inc.|isbn=9781619846012}}</ref> The new assault rifle was to chamber the [[5.56×45mm NATO]] cartridge unlike the L1A1 SLR rifle which chambereded the [[7.62×51mm NATO]] cartridge.<ref name=":0" />  
[[File:Indian soldiers in combat during operation vijay.jpg|thumb|Indian soldiers in combat with INSAS rifle during the [[Kargil War]].]]
The development of the INSAS began in the mid-1980s, when the Indian Army released a general staff qualitative requirement for a new assault rifle to replace locally produced licensed copies<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"/> The new assault rifle was to chamber it in [[5.56×45mm NATO]], unlike the L1A1 SLR rifle which is chambered in [[7.62×51mm NATO]].<ref name=":0" />  


After studying a number of designs, the [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]] (ARDE) in [[Pune]] undertook 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" />
After studying several designs, the [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]] (ARDE) in [[Pune]] undertook the task to design and develop India's first assault rifle. The development and user trials of the new rifle, INSAS, were 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 which were bought from [[Israel Military Industries]].<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/>


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"/>
The INSAS series rifles are the third generation of [[standard-issue rifle]] of the [[infantry of the Indian Army]], following the [[Lee–Enfield]] [[.303 British|.303]] [[bolt action rifle]] (in service 1947–mid-1960s){{efn|Retired immediately after [[Sino-Indian War]].<ref name="IT" />}} and [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]] [[7.62 NATO]] [[semi-automatic rifle]] (in service 1961–1998).<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-05 |title=More firepower for soldiers! Indian Army to get lethal Assault Rifles – Know more |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-more-firepower-for-soldiers-indian-army-to-get-lethal-assault-rifles-know-more-2398988/ |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=The Financial Express |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223120616/https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-more-firepower-for-soldiers-indian-army-to-get-lethal-assault-rifles-know-more-2398988/|archive-date=2026-02-23|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Efn|Adopted and [[Licensed production|license manufactured]] by [[Ordnance Factory Board]] post Sino-Indo War and retired with the induction of [[AK-47]] derivatives and INSAS.<ref name="IT" />}} While the L1A1 was outdated by the 1980s but the INSAS was still under development, multiple derivatives of [[AK-47]] were adopted, starting with around 12,000 Soviet-origin AK-47 (produced by the [[Izhmash]]) captured from insurgents, followed by purchasing the Czech-origin [[Vz. 58]], Bulgarian-origin [[AR-M1]] from [[Arsenal AD]].<ref name="IT">{{cite news |last=Unnithan |first=Sandeep |date=30 December 2013 |title=Why General Kalashnikov couldn't sell the AK in India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/why-general-kalashnikov-couldnt-sell-the-ak-47-in-india-222396-2013-12-30 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326125239/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/why-general-kalashnikov-couldnt-sell-the-ak-47-in-india-222396-2013-12-30 |archive-date=26 March 2021 |access-date=4 September 2022 |work=India Today |location=New Delhi}}</ref>
[[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"/>
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=dead}}</ref><ref name="Cutshaw2011"/> The INSAS rifle saw limited use in the Indian Army's [[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir|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>
 
===Replacement===
The INSAS assault rifles are being replaced in the Army<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-17 |title=Army to get 7,000 more 'Made in Amethi' AK-203 rifles in 2-3 weeks |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-army-kalashnikov-ak-203-rifles-delivery-amethi-plant-insas-rifles-2757148-2025-07-17 |access-date=2025-07-17 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> 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 [[battle rifles]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indian-army-gets-new-american-assault-rifles-in-kashmir-valley-against-terrorists-pak-army-on-loc20191211084805/|title=Indian Army gets new American assault rifles in Kashmir Valley against terrorists, Pakistan Army on LoC|date=11 December 2019|via=ANI}}</ref> The LMG variant 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|access-date=2021-10-26|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>


==Design==
==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|long stroke piston]] and the [[rotating bolt]] are similar to the [[AKM]]/[[AK-47]].<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/>
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|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:Training_in_India_(31552736368).jpg|thumb|US Army soldier and Indian soldiers with the INSAS. The two types of INSAS assault rifle include the 1B1 (rear) and the original (front).]]
[[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. The rear [[Iron sights|sight]] lies on one end of the [[Breechblock|breech cover]] and is calibrated to 400 meters.


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 those 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 magazines; they are made like the [[Steyr AUG]] and are made out of polymer.<ref name=":0" /> The 30-round magazine is made for the LMG version but can also be used in the rifle. The flash suppressor also accepts NATO-specification [[rifle grenade]]s.<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/> Factory-made brass catchers can be installed on the INSAS to collect used brass, although there are reports of improvised brass catchers made from used bottles and wire mesh.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/03/20/indian-militarys-improvised-brass-catchers/|title=Indian Military's Improvised Brass-Catchers|date=20 March 2017|website=thefirearmblog.com|author=Miles|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809222104/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/03/20/indian-militarys-improvised-brass-catchers/|archive-date=9 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>


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"/>  
In 2023, it was reported that Star Aerospace has offered parts for modernizing INSAS rifles, which are approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/what-indian-security-forces-are-doing-to-meet-the-need-for-more-assault-rifles-2458947-2023-11-06 | title=What Indian security forces are doing to meet the need for more assault rifles | date=6 November 2023 }}</ref> Among the upgrades included by SA consist of picatinny rails for sights and attachments, folding stock and rubber fore and pistol grips.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.staraerospace.org/product-page/insas-rifle-lmg | title=INSAS Rifle/LMG }}</ref>


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===
===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|date=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, was 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 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|date=4 September 2015|isbn=9781940988207}}</ref> where the temperature would go as low as –20 degrees 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>  
 
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>
During the conflict, the rifle encountered some problems, such as occasional, often serious stoppages, cracking of the 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, the INSAS proved neither reliable nor satisfactory for the Army.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} The Indian Army, which was used to the [[7.62×51mm NATO]] round for almost three decades, was dissatisfied with the stopping power of [[5.56×45mm NATO]] rounds.<ref name="weary-army" />


==Variants==
==Variants==
===INSAS Standard Rifle===
{{multiple image
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>
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| footer = INSAS AR (with UBGL) (top) and LMG (bottom).
| image1 = INSAS 1B1 with UBGL.jpg
| width1 = 251
| image2 = WLUS (1).jpg
| width2 = 251
}}


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>
===Assault rifle===
The standard issue rifle is produced in a select fire (semi-automatic & 3-round burst) version<ref name="MF">{{cite web | url=https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/india-assault-rifles/insas-eng/ | title=INSAS assault rifle | date=27 October 2010 }}</ref>. A telescopic sight and a passive night sight are available for the weapon system. It has a bayonet mount and furniture featuring mounting capabilities for the [[ARDE Under Barrel Grenade Launcher]].<ref name="DRDO">{{Cite web|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/40mm-under-barrel-grenade-launcher-ubgl|title=40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) &#124; Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India}}</ref> The rifle is equipped with an adjustable gas block regulator which, when flipped up, acts as an iron sight for a 40mm grenade launcher. 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> Additional furniture for the rifle is made, offering a folding stock.<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> It is being replaced in Indian service by the [[AK-203]].<ref name=":2" />The AR has four subvariants:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/65176/1/16_Defence_20.pdf|title=Standing Committee on Defence (2015-2016)|publisher=Ministry of Defence|website=eparlib.nic.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240627231515/https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/65176/1/16_Defence_20.pdf|archive-date=27 June 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>


===LMG===
* INSAS 1A
[[File:INSAS LMG.JPG|thumb|INSAS LMG]]
* INSAS 1A1
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>
* INSAS 1B
* INSAS 1B1: Further improved variant introduced in 2001 based on Indian Army feedback.<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 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>
===Light Machine Gun===
The Light Machine Gun (LMG) differs from the standard rifle in possessing a longer range of 700 m, as compared to 400 m range for its assault rifle counterparts. 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 platform features select fire between semi-automatic and fully automatic.<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> Furniture is also made for the weapon system, allowing for a folding stock.<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 [[Negev NG-7]].<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===
=== Others ===
{{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>
* [[Excalibur rifle]]
* [[Amogh carbine]]
* [[DRDO Close Quarter Battle carbine]]
* Kalantak: 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>
* Prototype Bullpup: [[Lieutenant colonel|Lieutenant Colonel]] Prasad Bansod, of Army School [[Mhow]] [[reverse engineering|reverse-engineered]] an INSAS rifle to produce a [[bullpup]] [[carbine]] variant.<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> Lt. Col. Bansod caught the attention of high-ranking Indian Army officers when he made the rifle in 2019.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/the-indian-army-s-general-kalashnikov-gives-it-a-new-9-mm-sub-machine-gun-1759202-2021-01-14 | title=The Indian Army's 'General Kalashnikov' gives it a new 9 mm sub-machine gun | date=14 January 2021 }}</ref> He reportedly did this in his spare time. The rifle was only made as a prototype example.


===Kalantak and Amogh===
==Operators==
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>
[[File:INSAS Users.png|thumb|Map with INSAS users in blue]]
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries to this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->


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>
===Present===
* {{flag|Bhutan}}: Used by the [[Royal Bhutan Army]].<ref name="MishraReetika">{{cite book |author1=Reetika Sharma, Ramvir Goria, Vivek Mishra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eOiXLCWUiB4C&pg=PA128 |title=India and the Dynamics of World Politics: A book on Indian Foreign Policy, Related events and International Organizations |author2=Sharma Reetika |publisher=Pearson Education India |year=2011 |isbn=978-81-317-3291-5 |page=128 |access-date=29 May 2014 |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|Eswatini}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=INSAS Assault Rifle &#124; Military-Today.com |url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/insas.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520204535/http://www.military-today.com/firearms/insas.htm |archive-date=20 May 2019 |access-date=18 March 2019}}</ref>
* {{flag|India}}: Assault rifle and LMG variants in use.<ref name="weary-army" />
**[[Indian Armed Forces]], being phased out<ref name=":3" /> and to be replaced by [[AK-203]]  and [[SIG Sauer SIG516#SIG716|SIG-716i]] 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 magazine|author=Manjeet Singh Negi |date=July 12, 2020 |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|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref> INSAS LMGs using [[5.56×45mm NATO|5.56×45mm]] to be replaced by [[IWI Negev|IWI Negev NG5]], and the ones using [[7.62×51mm NATO|7.62×51mm]] will be replaced by the [[IWI Negev|IWI Negev NG7]] as per latest contract for 16,479 NG7s.<ref name="auto" />
** [[Border Security Force]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-deploys-female-soldiers-at-line-of-control-for-first-time-683250 | title=India: Border Security Force deploys female soldiers at Line of Control for first time | date=24 January 2024 }}</ref>
** [[Central Armed Police Forces]]<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>
** [[Central Industrial Security Force]]<ref>{{cite news | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/centre-sanctions-armed-cisf-cover-for-surat-airport/articleshow/76385788.cms?from=mdr | title=Centre sanctions armed CISF cover for Surat airport | newspaper=The Economic Times | date=15 June 2020 }}</ref>
** [[State Police Services]]<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><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>
*{{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|publisher=Nepalese Army}}</ref>


===Bullpup===
===Former===
[[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.
*{{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>


==Operators==
===Non-state actors===
[[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]]
* [[Communist Party of India (Maoist)]]: INSAS rifles looted from killed Indian police officers<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/maoist/data_sheets/Major_incidents_2018.htm | title=CPI-Maoist Major Incidents 2018 }}</ref> or stolen from police stations.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/insas-rifle-stolen-from-rohtas-cop/articleshow/71637661.cms | title=Bihar: Insas rifle stolen from Rohtas cop | newspaper=The Times of India | date=18 October 2019 }}</ref> Others [[clandestinely]] acquired from [[Rifle Factory Ishapore]] by corrupt officials.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-arrested-for-allegedly-giving-arms-to-maoists-from-rifle-factory-ishapore-in-west-bengal-1848446 | title=6 Arrested for Allegedly Giving Arms to Maoists from Bengal Gun Factory }}</ref>
* {{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>  
* [[People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak]]: Use looted INSAS rifles.<ref>{{cite web | title=Arms looted in Manipur sold beyond the valley, across border. Recovery a struggle for security forces | website=[[ThePrint]] | date=22 November 2024 | url=https://theprint.in/india/arms-looted-in-manipur-sold-beyond-the-valley-across-border-recovery-a-struggle-for-security-forces/2368751/ }}</ref>
**[[Indian Armed Forces]], to be replaced by 670,000 [[AK-203]] rifles and 72,400 [[SIG Sauer SIG516#SIG716|SIG-716i]] Patrol 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 magazine|author=Manjeet Singh Negi |date=July 12, 2020 |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|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref> INSAS LMGs using 5.56*45mm to be replaced by IWI Negev NG5, and the ones using 7.62*51mm will be replaced by the [[IMI Negev|IWI Negev NG7]] as per latest contract for 16,479 NG7s.<ref name="auto"/>
* [[File:Flag_of_PDF_Myanmar.svg|23px|border]] [[People's Defence Force (Myanmar)|Myanmar People's Defence Force]]: 1B1 variant.<ref name=myan> {{cite tweet |author=War Noir |user=war_noir |number=1738135682265051272|title=#Myanmar (#Burma) 🇲🇲: Rather interesting photos posted by People's Defense Forces (#PDF) after an ambush against Tatmadaw. The group uses several very rare! INSAS 1B1 rifles (originally made in #India 🇮🇳), MA-4 Mk2 rifle with BA203 UBGL, and AR-15 rifle.|language=en |date= 22 December 2023|access-date=3 January 2024 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/r8hJP|archive-date=3 January 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[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>
== Notes ==
*{{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>
{{notelist}}
*{{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|Eswatini}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.military-today.com/firearms/insas.htm |title=INSAS Assault Rifle &#124; Military-Today.com |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==
==References==
Line 126: Line 143:
[[Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
[[Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
[[Category:Light machine guns]]
[[Category:Light machine guns]]
[[Category:Bullpup rifles]]
[[Category:Assault rifles of India]]
[[Category:Machine guns of India]]
[[Category:Machine guns of India]]
[[Category:Rifles of India]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1998]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1998]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov derivatives]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov derivatives]]

Latest revision as of 11:44, 13 March 2026


"INSAS" redirects here. For the Belgian film school, see Institut national supérieur des arts du spectacle et des techniques de diffusion. For India's future soldier program, see F-INSAS.
INSAS rifle
INSAS rifle in the Indian army
TypeAssault rifle
Light machine gun
Place of originIndia
Service history
In service1998–present
Used bySee Operators
WarsKargil War[1]
Nepalese Civil War[2]
Naxalite–Maoist insurgency[3]
Insurgency in Northeast India[4]
Operation All Clear
Myanmar Civil War[5]
Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir
Production history
DesignerArmament Research and Development Establishment
Designed1980s–1997
ManufacturerOrdnance Factories Board
Produced1994[6]–present
No. built100,000 (Assault Rifles) and 6,000 (LMG) (2012)[7]
700,000–900,000 (2019)[8]
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass4.018 kg (8.86 lb) (without magazine)[9]
6.23 kg (13.7 lb) (LMG)
Length960 mm (37.8 in)[9]
1,050 mm (41 in) (LMG)
Barrel length464 mm (18.3 in)
535 mm (21.1 in) (LMG)
Cartridge5.56×45mm NATO[9]
ActionGas-operated, Rotating bolt
Rate of firesingles, 3 round burst
600–650 rounds/min[9] (LMG)
Muzzle velocity915 m/s (3,002 ft/s)[10]
Effective firing range400m (INSAS Rifle)
600 m: Point targets (INSAS LMG)
700 m: Area target (INSAS LMG)[9]
Feed system20- or 30-round detachable box magazine
SightsIn-built iron sights, mount point for telescopic or night sight

The INSAS,[11] or Indian Small Arms System,[12] is a family of infantry arms consisting of an assault rifle and a light machine gun (LMG). These weapons were developed in India by the Armament Research and Development Establishment and manufactured by the Ordnance Factories Board at its various factories.[13] It was the standard infantry weapon of the Indian Armed Forces for almost three decades.[1][14]

History[edit | edit source]

Indian soldiers in combat with INSAS rifle during the Kargil War.

The development of the INSAS began in the mid-1980s, when the Indian Army released a general staff qualitative requirement for a new assault rifle to replace locally produced licensed copies[15] of the L1A1 self-loading rifles,[14] which the Army was using since 1961.[10] The new assault rifle was to chamber it in 5.56×45mm NATO, unlike the L1A1 SLR rifle which is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO.[10]

After studying several designs, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune undertook the task to design and develop India's first assault rifle. The development and user trials of the new rifle, INSAS, were completed by 1989 and entered into service in 1990.[16][10] 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.[14] In 1998, the first INSAS rifles were displayed at the Republic Day parade.[1] The introduction of the rifle was delayed due to the lack of adequate 5.56×45mm ammunition, large quantities of which were bought from Israel Military Industries.[14]

The INSAS series rifles are the third generation of standard-issue rifle of the infantry of the Indian Army, following the Lee–Enfield .303 bolt action rifle (in service 1947–mid-1960s)[lower-alpha 1] and L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle 7.62 NATO semi-automatic rifle (in service 1961–1998).[10][18][lower-alpha 2] While the L1A1 was outdated by the 1980s but the INSAS was still under development, multiple derivatives of AK-47 were adopted, starting with around 12,000 Soviet-origin AK-47 (produced by the Izhmash) captured from insurgents, followed by purchasing the Czech-origin Vz. 58, Bulgarian-origin AR-M1 from Arsenal AD.[17]

The first combat use of the rifle was during the Kargil War in 1999.[1][14] The INSAS rifle saw limited use in the Indian Army's counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir,[19] but was extensively used by Central Armed Police Forces in combating Maoist insurgency.[20]

Replacement[edit | edit source]

The INSAS assault rifles are being replaced in the Army[21] with the AK-203 assault rifles[22] and the SIG 716i battle rifles.[23] The LMG variant is being replaced with the IWI Negev.[24] 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 rifles.[25]

Design[edit | edit source]

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 long stroke piston and the rotating bolt are similar to the AKM/AK-47.[14]

US Army soldier and Indian soldiers with the INSAS. The two types of INSAS assault rifle include the 1B1 (rear) and the original (front).

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 HK33.[14] The fire selector is placed on the left side of the 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.[10] It has three modes of fire – semi-automatic, three-round burst and full automatic modes.[10] The cyclic rate averages at 650 rpm. The rear sight lies on one end of the breech cover and is calibrated to 400 meters.

The furniture is either made of wood or polymer.[14] The polymer butt and forend assemblies differ from the AKM and are more similar to those of IMI Galil. Some variants have a folding butt. A bayonet can also be attached to it.[16] The guns take 20 or 30-round magazines; they are made like the Steyr AUG and are made out of polymer.[10] The 30-round magazine is made for the LMG version but can also be used in the rifle. The flash suppressor also accepts NATO-specification rifle grenades.[14] Factory-made brass catchers can be installed on the INSAS to collect used brass, although there are reports of improvised brass catchers made from used bottles and wire mesh.[26]

In 2023, it was reported that Star Aerospace has offered parts for modernizing INSAS rifles, which are approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.[27] Among the upgrades included by SA consist of picatinny rails for sights and attachments, folding stock and rubber fore and pistol grips.[28]

Performance[edit | edit source]

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,[29] where the temperature would go as low as –20 degrees Celsius.[30]

During the conflict, the rifle encountered some problems, such as occasional, often serious stoppages, cracking of the polymer magazine due to the cold weather, and some other reliability issues, such as firing in full auto when set for 3-shot burst.[29][1] Similar complaints were also received from the Nepalese Army.[1] In the Kargil war, the INSAS proved neither reliable nor satisfactory for the Army.[citation needed] The Indian Army, which was used to the 7.62×51mm NATO round for almost three decades, was dissatisfied with the stopping power of 5.56×45mm NATO rounds.[1]

Variants[edit | edit source]

INSAS AR (with UBGL) (top) and LMG (bottom).

Assault rifle[edit | edit source]

The standard issue rifle is produced in a select fire (semi-automatic & 3-round burst) version[31]. A telescopic sight and a passive night sight are available for the weapon system. It has a bayonet mount and furniture featuring mounting capabilities for the ARDE Under Barrel Grenade Launcher.[32] The rifle is equipped with an adjustable gas block regulator which, when flipped up, acts as an iron sight for a 40mm grenade launcher. The flash suppressor has a blank-firing adaptor.[9] Additional furniture for the rifle is made, offering a folding stock.[33] It is being replaced in Indian service by the AK-203.[13]The AR has four subvariants:[34]

  • INSAS 1A
  • INSAS 1A1
  • INSAS 1B
  • INSAS 1B1: Further improved variant introduced in 2001 based on Indian Army feedback.[35]

Light Machine Gun[edit | edit source]

The Light Machine Gun (LMG) differs from the standard rifle in possessing a longer range of 700 m, as compared to 400 m range for its assault rifle counterparts. 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 platform features select fire between semi-automatic and fully automatic.[36] Furniture is also made for the weapon system, allowing for a folding stock.[37] The LMG will be replaced with the Negev NG-7.[38]

Others[edit | edit source]

Operators[edit | edit source]

Error creating thumbnail: File with dimensions greater than 12.5 MP
Map with INSAS users in blue

Present[edit | edit source]

Former[edit | edit source]

  •  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.[52]

Non-state actors[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Retired immediately after Sino-Indian War.[17]
  2. ↑ Adopted and license manufactured by Ordnance Factory Board post Sino-Indo War and retired with the induction of AK-47 derivatives and INSAS.[17]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "INSAS-weary army shops for new infantry arms". The New Indian Express. 16 December 2012. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Wikileaks news: Why Nepal king Gyanendra shed power". The Economic Times. 6 September 2011. Archived from the original on 29 January 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Anti-Naxal operations: CRPF prefers AK rifles to INSAS, bulk purchase on cards". 4 May 2014. Archived from the original on 23 May 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  4. ↑ "6 Assam Rifles personnel killed in Manipur ambush". The Tribune. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 War Noir [@war_noir] (22 December 2023). "#Myanmar (#Burma) 🇲🇲: Rather interesting photos posted by People's Defense Forces (#PDF) after an ambush against Tatmadaw. The group uses several very rare! INSAS 1B1 rifles (originally made in #India 🇮🇳), MA-4 Mk2 rifle with BA203 UBGL, and AR-15 rifle" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 3 January 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2024 – via Twitter.
  6. ↑ Gupta, Jayanta. "End of the line for the Insas rifle". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 October 2014. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  7. ↑ "Manufacturing of Small Weapons". pib.gov.in. Ministry of Defence. 21 May 2012. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
  8. ↑ Karp, Aaron; Rajagopalan, Rajesh. Small Arms of the Indian State (PDF). p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 January 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 "Rifle 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 Johnston, Gary Paul; Nelson, Thomas B. (15 December 2016). The World's Assault Rifles. Ironside International Publishers, Inc. ISBN 9781619846012.Template:Page number needed
  11. ↑ "INSAS Rifles" (PDF). static.mygov.in. Archived (PDF) from the original on 22 December 2023.
  12. ↑ "Indian Army prepares to switch to new rifles". India Today. 15 September 1988. Archived from the original on 18 April 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "With AK-203, Indian Military's Quest for a New Assault Rifle to Replace INSAS is Almost Over". News18. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 14.8 Charles Q. Cutshaw (28 February 2011). Tactical Small Arms of the 21st Century: A Complete Guide to Small Arms From Around the World. Gun Digest Books. p. 207. ISBN 978-1-4402-2482-9. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  15. ↑ "UK and Commonwealth FALs, by R. Blake Stevens, Collector Grade Publications, 1980, pages 231-233
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 John Walter (25 March 2006). Rifles of the World. Krause Publications. pp. 209–210. ISBN 0-89689-241-7. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 Unnithan, Sandeep (30 December 2013). "Why General Kalashnikov couldn't sell the AK in India". India Today. New Delhi. Archived from the original on 26 March 2021. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
  18. ↑ "More firepower for soldiers! Indian Army to get lethal Assault Rifles – Know more". The Financial Express. 5 January 2022. Archived from the original on 23 February 2026. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  19. ↑ "INSAS rifles to retire; to be replaced by imported weapons". The Economic Times. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  20. ↑ "Tihar Jail seeks more lethal rifles to thwart terror strike". Hindustan Times. 19 January 2009. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Army to get 7,000 more 'Made in Amethi' AK-203 rifles in 2-3 weeks". India Today. 17 July 2025. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  22. ↑ Pubby, Manu (9 July 2019). "Joint venture for AK 203 rifles factory at Amethi was the 'fastest ever' created with Russia". The Economic Times.
  23. ↑ "Indian Army gets new American assault rifles in Kashmir Valley against terrorists, Pakistan Army on LoC". 11 December 2019 – via ANI.
  24. ↑ Gurung, Shaurya Karanbir (19 March 2020). "Defence Ministry signs contract for 16,479 Light Machine Guns for frontline troops with Israel Weapons Industries". The Economic Times.
  25. ↑ Qureshi, Siraj (29 November 2019). "UP Police retires 20th century rifles after 70 years of service". India Today. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  26. ↑ Miles (20 March 2017). "Indian Military's Improvised Brass-Catchers". thefirearmblog.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2024.
  27. ↑ "What Indian security forces are doing to meet the need for more assault rifles". 6 November 2023.
  28. ↑ "INSAS Rifle/LMG".
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Singh, Danvir (4 September 2015). Indian Defence Review. Lancer Publishers LLC. ISBN 9781940988207.
  30. ↑ "Bone chilling cold in Kargil, minimum settles at -20 degrees Celsius". The Financial Express. 3 January 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  31. ↑ "INSAS assault rifle". 27 October 2010.
  32. ↑ "40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India".
  33. ↑ "5.56 mm INSAS Rifle (Foldable Butt)". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  34. ↑ "Standing Committee on Defence (2015-2016)" (PDF). eparlib.nic.in. Ministry of Defence. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 June 2024.
  35. ↑ "Hunt on for new generation assault rifles; upgraded INSAS not a replacement". The Economic Times. 31 December 2015. Archived from the original on 30 March 2016. Retrieved 22 February 2016.
  36. ↑ "LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  37. ↑ "LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Foldable Butt)". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 Ruzhelnyk, Olga (24 March 2020). "India orders IWI's Negev 7.62".
  39. ↑ "Kalantak Micro Assault Rifle". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  40. ↑ Siddiqui, Huma (14 January 2021). "Meet Lt Col Prasad Bansod: Infantry School officer behind India's first indigenously developed 9mm Machine Pistol". The Financial Express. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  41. ↑ "The Indian Army's 'General Kalashnikov' gives it a new 9 mm sub-machine gun". 14 January 2021.
  42. ↑ Reetika Sharma, Ramvir Goria, Vivek Mishra; Sharma Reetika (2011). India and the Dynamics of World Politics: A book on Indian Foreign Policy, Related events and International Organizations. Pearson Education India. p. 128. ISBN 978-81-317-3291-5. Archived from the original on 8 July 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  43. ↑ "INSAS Assault Rifle | Military-Today.com". Archived from the original on 20 May 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  44. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (5 January 2020). "Army to sign MoU for AK-203 assault rifles in a month". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  45. ↑ Manjeet Singh Negi (12 July 2020). "Army to place order for 72,000 more Sig716 assault rifles from US". India Today. Retrieved 12 July 2020.
  46. ↑ "India: Border Security Force deploys female soldiers at Line of Control for first time". 24 January 2024.
  47. ↑ "Centre sanctions armed CISF cover for Surat airport". The Economic Times. 15 June 2020.
  48. ↑ "INSAS rifles to give police more fire power". The Times of India. 15 July 2009. Archived from the original on 31 December 2016. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  49. ↑ ".303 rifles replaced with INSAS: JH police". Business Standard. 11 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  50. ↑ Small Arms Survey (2005). "Reaching for the Big Picture: An Update on Small Arms Transfers". Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War. Oxford University Press. p. 101. ISBN 978-0-19-928085-8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  51. ↑ "Nepali Army | नेपाली सेना". www.nepalarmy.mil.np. Nepalese Army. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  52. ↑ "Oman army all set to use India's INSAS rifles". Hindustan Times. 22 April 2010. Archived from the original on 13 March 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  53. ↑ "CPI-Maoist Major Incidents 2018".
  54. ↑ "Bihar: Insas rifle stolen from Rohtas cop". The Times of India. 18 October 2019.
  55. ↑ "6 Arrested for Allegedly Giving Arms to Maoists from Bengal Gun Factory".
  56. ↑ "Arms looted in Manipur sold beyond the valley, across border. Recovery a struggle for security forces". ThePrint. 22 November 2024.

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