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{{Short description|Indian family of infantry arms}}
{{redirect|INSAS|the Belgian film school|INSAS (film school)}}
{{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}}
{{Refimprove|date=October 2009}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox Weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|name= INSAS rifle
| name = INSAS rifle
|image=[[File:INSAS rifle (Browngirl06).jpg|300px]]
|caption= INSAS Assault rifle
| image = INSAS Black.JPG
| image_size = 300
|origin= {{flag|India}}
| caption = INSAS rifle in Indian army
|type= [[Assault rifle]]
| origin = [[India]]
|is_ranged=yes
| type = [[Assault rifle]] <br />[[Light machine gun]]
|service= 1998–present
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = Yes
|used_by= See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
<!-- Service history -->| service = 1998–present
|wars= [[Kargil War]] <br/> [[Nepalese Civil War]]
| used_by = See ''[[INSAS rifle#Operators|Operators]]''
|designer= [[Armament Research and Development Establishment|ARDE]]
| 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/>
|design_date=
<!-- Production history -->| designer = <!--only appropriate for individuals, not for project leaders or a company or corporation-->
|manufacturer=[[Ordnance Factories Board]]
| design_date = 1980s–1997
|production_date=
| manufacturer = [[Armament Research and Development Establishment]] <br />[[Ordnance Factories Board]]
|number=
| 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
|variants= See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
| 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>
|weight= 3.2 kg empty <br> 4.65 kg loaded
| variants = See ''[[#Variants|Variants]]''
|length= {{convert|960|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}, <br/> {{convert|750|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} w/stock folded
<!-- General specifications -->| weight = {{convert|4.018|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (without magazine)<ref name=std/><br/>{{convert|6.23|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (LMG)
|part_length= {{convert|464|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|960|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=std/><br/>{{convert|1050|mm|in|abbr=on}} (LMG)
|cartridge= 5.56x45mm INSAS<br/> [[5.56x45mm NATO]]<br/> [[5.56×30mm MINSAS]]
| part_length = {{convert|464|mm|in|abbr=on}}<br/>{{convert|535|mm|in|abbr=on}} (LMG)
|action= [[Gas-operated]], [[Rotating bolt]]
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge = [[5.56×45mm NATO]]<ref name=std/>
|rate= 600 rounds/min
| action = [[Gas-operated]], [[Rotating bolt]]
|velocity= {{convert| 900|m/s|0|lk=on|abbr=on}}
| rate = singles, 3 round burst<br/>600–650 rounds/min<ref name=std/> (LMG)
|range= 500 Meters
| velocity = {{convert| 915|m/s|0|lk=on|abbr=on}}<ref name=":0" />
|feed= 20/30-round detachable box [[magazine (firearm)|magazine]]
| range = 400m (INSAS Rifle)<br /> 600 m: Point targets (INSAS LMG)<br /> 700 m: Area target (INSAS LMG)<ref name=std/>
|sights= In-built [[Iron sights]]<br>Plate for attaching various scopes made by [[Ordnance Factory Board]]
| feed = 20- or 30-round detachable [[box magazine]]
| sights = In-built [[iron sights]], mount point for telescopic or night sight
}}
}}


The '''INSAS''',<ref name="INSASR">https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2022/08/mygov-999999999208486606.pdf {{bare URL PDF|date=March 2024}}</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"/>
'''INSAS''' (an abbreviation of '''Indian Small Arms System''') is a family of infantry arms consisting of an [[assault rifle]], a [[light machine gun]] and a [[carbine]]. It is manufactured by the [[Ordnance Factories Board]] at [[Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli]], Small Arms Factory Kanpur and [[Ishapore Rifle Factory|Ichapore Arsenal]]. The Insas Assault Rifle is the standard infantry weapon of the [[Indian Armed Forces]].


==History==
==History==
[[File:Indian soldiers in combat during operation vijay.jpg|thumb|Indian soldiers in combat with INSAS rifle during the [[Kargil War]].]]
With the 7.62&nbsp;mm [[L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle]] rifle becoming obsolete in the 1980s, the [[Government of India]]'s [[Ordnance Factories Board]] began to develop the INSAS,<ref>http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=Weapons&lang=en</ref><ref>http://news.oneindia.in/2007/03/19/oft-develops-gen-x-weapons-1174286532.html</ref> incorporating features from several contemporary rifle designs. Although largely based on the [[AKM]], the INSAS has a number of differences like transparent magazine, making it a unique rifle.
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">{{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 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" />
During the late 1980s, the Indians expressed interest in purchasing (and possibly manufacturing under license), an East German-designed AK chambered for the 5.56x45mm cartridge.<ref>Edward Clinton Ezell, ''Kalashnikov - The Arms and the Man'', Collector Grade Publications, Canada {{Page needed|date=September 2010}}</ref> The deal ultimately fell through.


The INSAS system was originally planned to have three component weapons: a standard rifle, a carbine, and a squad automatic rifle ([[Light machine gun|LMG]]), all chambered for [[5.56x45mm NATO]] ammunition. In 1997 the rifle and LMG were ready for mass production, and in 1998 the first Indian army units were observed armed with INSAS rifles for the Republic Day Parade. At least 300,000 INSAS rifles are in service with the Indian army; some of these have seen action in [[Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts|Indo-Pakistani conflicts]].
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 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 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 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}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</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"/>
[[File:Indian Army soldier at Camp Babina.jpg|thumb|left|A soldier training with the INSAS rifle.]]
The INSAS rifle is based on the Kalashnikov [[AK-47]] action with modifications. The basic gas-operated action ([[Gas operated|long stroke]] gas system, rotating bolt, and stamped steel receiver) is of the Kalashnikov pattern. The gas system is fitted with a manual gas regulator similar in design to that found on the FN FAL as well as a gas cutoff. The charging handle is positioned on the left side of the forearm; it is similar in position and design to the German HK [[Heckler & Koch G3|G3]] 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).]]
The selector/safety switch is located on the left side of the receiver above the pistol grip, which allows single shots and three-round bursts. The rifle is fitted with a side-folding carrying handle, and either a solid or side-folding metal buttstock. Furniture is made of [[polymer]] with the stock using the butt-plate from the 1A SLR (Indian version of the FN FAL) rifle. Standard magazines are made from semi-translucent polymer and contain 20 rounds. Longer 30-round magazines of similar design are available for the INSAS LMG but can also be used in the rifle. The sights consist of a hooded front, mounted on top of the gas block, and a diopter rear, mounted on the receiver cover. The flash suppressor is shaped to accept [[NATO]]-standard rifle grenades. It can be fitted with an [[AKM]]-style multipurpose knife-[[bayonet]].

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.

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 magazines; there 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 be also used in the rifle. The flash suppressor also accepts NATO-specification [[rifle grenade]]s.<ref name="Cutshaw2011"/>

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>

===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 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>

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.

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==
{{multiple image
| 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
}}


===Assault rifle===
The assault rifle version has semi-auto and 3-round burst modes much like the US [[M16 rifle|M16A2]]. Derived from the INSAS weapon systems, the INSAS Excalibur Mark-I is ergonomically designed with a folding [[Stock (firearm)|butt]] and can be fitted with 20 and 30-round magazines. It is also fitted with a [[Picatinny rail]] for mounting of opto-electronic devices. The latest variant of the INSAS has semi-automatic, 3 round bursts and full automatic fire modes.
The AR variant can be fired in single round or three-round burst mode.<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 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 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> 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>
[[ARDE 40 mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher|An under-barrel grenade launcher]] and bayonet have been recently been issued for use with the INSAS, which are also compatible with the AK-47s used by paramilitary forces.


It is being replaced in Indian service by the [[AK-203]].<ref name=":2" />
===Issues===
The INSAS saw combat during the [[Kargil War|1999 Kargil conflict]] with Pakistan. According to the [[Times of India]], the rifle encountered some reliability problems in the very cold climate in which the conflict took place. Due to the cold weather, the rifle would jam occasionally and the polymer magazines would crack.<ref name="Problems">[http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1759706828.cms INSAS not performing to optimum level: Army.]</ref> There were also cases where the rifle would fire on full automatic, while in three-round burst fire mode.<ref name="Problems"/> According to the manufacturers, these problems have been fixed.


The AR has four subvariants:<ref>https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/65176/1/16_Defence_20.pdf {{bare URL PDF|date=March 2024}}</ref>
After King [[Gyanendra]] seized power, relations between India and Nepal cooled, with India refusing to grant military aid and also blocking the way for weapons from other countries. There were reports that the rifle [[Firearm malfunction|malfunctioned]] in a gunbattle with Maoist insurgents in the battle of Kalikot, leading to a rare heavy loss of Nepalese army side.<ref name="News">{{Cite web|url=http://news.indiamart.com/news-analysis/indo-nepal-war-of-wo-10160.html|title=Indo-Nepal war of words over INSAS rifles|accessdate=2010-03-09|date=2005-08-22}}</ref> This was refuted by the Indian embassy in Nepal, trials conducted before the [[Nepalese Army]] showed that the rifle was satisfactory and that the malfunctions had been due to poor handling and improper cleaning of the rifle by Nepalese soldiers. Nepalese soldiers were still not satisfied as the rifle malfunctioned when used extensively for prolonged periods at war or during trainings.<ref name="News"/> These drawbacks were said to have been fixed after the [[Kargil Conflict]] in 1999.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}}


* INSAS 1A
==Variant==
* INSAS 1A1
* 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>


===LMG===
[[File:INSAS Black.JPG|thumb|INSAS Rifle with newly adopted black furniture]]
The LMG (Light Machine Gun) differs from the standard rifle in possessing a longer range of 700 m, as compared to 400 m range for their assault rifle counterparts. It has a longer and heavier barrel with revised rifling and 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>
* '''INSAS''' Standard rifle (5.56&nbsp;mm) issued to Indian Army & Paramilitary, with folding and fixed stock variants, fires in semi-automatic and three round burst, much like its American counterpart the [[M16 rifle|M16A4]]. An assault variant is also manufactured with full auto fire mode along with semi & three burst mode, and is used by the Indian Army.


===Excalibur===
* '''INSAS''' (Folding stock) (5.56&nbsp;mm) identical to the standard issue INSAS in all areas except that the fixed stock is replaced with a folding stock to shorten the overall length and that it does not include a full-auto fire mode. It is most suitable for combat from ICV and in a paratrooper role.<ref>[http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/12.htm Ordnance Factory Board<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
{{Main|Excalibur rifle}}


===Amogh===
* '''INSAS LMG''' 5.56&nbsp;mm INSAS (folding and fixed stock variants) - An Indian version of the [[Squad Automatic Weapon]] (SAW). Incorporated for suppressive and cover fire for troops. Barrel is designed for long and continuous fire. It has an auto fire mode with 30 round feed capacity along with a bipod. Meant to replace the old [[Bren LMG]].
{{main|Amogh carbine}}


===Kalantak===
[[File:Kalantak Micro Assault Rifle 5.56mm.jpg|thumb|Kalantak Micro Assault Rifle 5.56mm]]
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>
* '''KALANTAK''' 5.56&nbsp;mm micro assault rifle (under-going user trials), - The Kalantak Micro Assault Rifle is a gas operated automatic, air cooled, folding stock Rifle for CQB & Personnel Defence Weapon roles. The weapon uses the same ammunition (5.56x45mm) as used in the standard rifle/ LMG, thus reducing the logistics problems with utilizing different kinds of ammunition for different weapon roles. Its design and mechanism are simple (following the Kalashhikov tradition) and because it has NATO standard [[Picatinny rail]]s attached, it has the capability to accommodate the various modern optical sights like the [[Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight|Trijicon ACOG]], [[EOTech|EOTech series holographic sights]], or the [[Aimpoint CompM2|Aimpoint red dot sight]], available on the international market. Due consideration has been given for reliability, ergonomics and aesthetics throughout the design process of the weapon. The furniture items will be subjected to continual improvement from human engineering point of view.<ref>[http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/add_32.htm Ordnance Factory Board<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


===Prototype Bullpup===
* '''[[Modern Sub Machine Carbine]]''' - A submachinegun in the INSAS family, which is chambered for the proprietary [[5.56×30mm MINSAS]] ammunition designed specially for the gun. The magazine is in the pistol grip as in the [[Uzi]]. This weapon has passed two phases of trials by the Army, third and final trial has been conducted in December 2009.<ref>[http://world.guns.ru/smg/smg142-e.htm Modern Firearms - MSMC<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
[[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.
==Replacement==
Due to the design issues associated with the INSAS, the Indian Army released a [[request for proposal]]s (RfP) for a replacement rifle. The original RfP went out to 34 manufacturers. By November 2012, the five companies remaining were [[Sig-Sauer]], [[Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod|ČZUB]], [[Beretta]], [[Colt's Manufacturing Company|Colt]], and [[Indumil]]. The gun must have at least two different barrel lengths, a max weight of {{convert|3.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, be able to mount an integrated grenade launcher, and have the ability to load and fire locally-produced ammunition. 65,000 rifles will be bought directly from the foreign vendor, with [[Ordnance Factory Board]] then producing 113,000 rifles domestically after getting transfer of technology from the vendor. The weapon is also to fill [[light machine gun]] and [[sniper rifle]] roles. The Army wants 16,000 machine guns and 3,500 sniper rifles, both chambered in [[7.62x51 mm NATO]] with a {{convert|1|km|yard|abbr=on}} effective range. Field evaluation trials began in early 2013, with fielding planned for mid 2014.<ref>[http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/india-seeks-insas-assault-rifle-replacement.html India Seeks INSAS Assault Rifle Replacement] - Armedforces-International.com, November 29, 2012</ref><ref>[http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-12-20/news/35933717_1_assault-rifles-sniper-rifles-infantry-battalions Army to replace INSAS with new assault rifles] - Economictimes.com, December 20, 2012</ref> The Indian Army is expected to begin high-altitude winter trials for the rifles in the [[Leh district]] in mid-2013, with summer trials to begin in [[Thar Desert]] in 2014. The five contenders are the [[Beretta ARX-160]], the [[CZ-805 BREN]], the [[INDUMIL Galil ACE|Indumil Galil ACE]], the [[Sig 550|Sig 551]], and the Colt Combat Rifle, a variant of the [[M16 rifle|M16A1]].<ref>[http://www.janes.com/article/25697/india-to-put-assault-rifle-contenders-through-winter-trials India to put assault rifle contenders through winter trials] - Janes.com, 4 August 2013</ref>


==Users==
==Operators==
[[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 into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->


* {{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|Bhutan}}: Used in small numbers by the [[Royal Bhutan Army]].<ref>[https://www.bhutantimes.com/modules/newbb/print.php?form=2&forum=10&topic_id=2402&post_id=21471]</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 were adopted by [[Indian Armed Forces]] & [[Indian Paramilitary Forces]].<ref>[http://world.guns.ru/assault/as67-e.htm Modern Firearms: INSAS]</ref><ref name="hogg2002">Hogg, Ian (2002). ''Jane's Guns Recognition Guide''. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-00-712760-X.</ref>
*{{flag|Nepal}}: 23,000 INSAS rifles supplied to the Nepalese Army at a 70% subsidy price.<ref name="News"/>
* {{flag|India}}: Assault rifle and LMG variants in use.<ref name="weary-army" />
**[[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 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" />
*{{flag|Oman}}: The Royal Army of Oman will start using the INSAS rifles as per a defence agreement signed in 2008 between India and Oman.<ref>[http://indiadefenceonline.com/1797/india-to-sell-small-arms-to-oman/]</ref><ref>[http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/india/Oman-army-all-set-to-use-India-s-INSAS-rifles/Article1-534688.aspx Oman army all set to use India’s INSAS rifles - Hindustan Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
** [[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>
*{{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>


==See also==
===Non-state actors===
* [[Communist Party of India (Maoist)]]: Use 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 secretly 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>
* [[Modern Sub Machine Carbine]]
* [[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>


==Notes==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|INSAS rifle}}
{{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)}}
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/MONITOR/ISSUE1/BR-MON6.html INSAS: INdian Small Arms System]
* {{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)}}
* [http://ofbindia.gov.in/index.php?wh=Weapons&lang=en Ordnance Factory Board homepage]
* [http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/11.htm Ordnance Factory Board page on INSAS]
* {{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)}}
* [http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/23.htm Ordnance Factory Board page on Excalibur]
* {{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}}
* [http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/24.htm Ordnance Factory Board page on MINSAS]
* {{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)}}
* [http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/add_32.htm Ordnance Factory Board page on Kalantak]
* {{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}}
* [http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wsc/add_31.htm Ordnance Factory Board page on AMOGH]
* {{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}}
* [http://world.guns.ru/assault/as67-e.htm Modern Firearms]
* {{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}}


{{AK47 derivatives}}
{{AK-47 derivatives}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}
{{Current Indian infantry weapons}}
{{Current Indian infantry weapons}}
{{Ordnance Factories Board}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Insas Rifle}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Insas Rifle}}
[[Category:5.56 mm firearms]]
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]]
[[Category:Assault rifles]]
[[Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
[[Category:Defence Research and Development Organisation]]
[[Category:Light machine guns]]
[[Category:Light machine guns]]
[[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:Kalashnikov derivatives]]

Latest revision as of 19:47, 22 December 2024

"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 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]
Production history
Designed1980s–1997
ManufacturerArmament Research and Development Establishment
Ordnance 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]
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 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.[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 the same were bought from Israel Military Industries.[14]

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,[17] but was extensively used by Central Armed Police Forces in combating Maoist insurgency.[18]

Replacement

[edit]

The INSAS assault rifles are being replaced in the army with the AK-203 assault rifles[19] and the SIG 716i designated marksman rifles.[20] The LMG variant is being replaced with the IWI Negev.[21]

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.[22]

Design

[edit]

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 that 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; there 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 be also used in the rifle. The flash suppressor also accepts NATO-specification rifle grenades.[14]

In 2023, it was reported that Star Aerospace has offered parts for modernizing INSAS rifles, which are approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs.[23] Among the upgrades included by SA consist of picatinny rails for sights and attachments, folding stock and rubber fore and pistol grips.[24]

Performance

[edit]

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,[25] where temperature would go as low as –20 degrees Celsius.[26]

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.[25][1] Similar complaints were also received from the Nepalese Army.[1] In the Kargil war, neither the INSAS proved reliable nor the Army was satisfied with the new rifle.

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

Assault rifle

[edit]

The AR variant can be fired in single round or three-round burst mode.[27] 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 Under Barrel Grenade Launcher,[28] along with a gas-block for launching grenades and grenade iron-sights.

The flash suppressor has a blank-firing adaptor.[9] It also has a foldable butt version.[29]

It is being replaced in Indian service by the AK-203.[13]

The AR has four subvariants:[30]

  • INSAS 1A
  • INSAS 1A1
  • INSAS 1B
  • INSAS 1B1: Further improved variant introduced in 2001 based on Indian Army feedback.[31]

LMG

[edit]

The LMG (Light Machine Gun) differs from the standard rifle in possessing a longer range of 700 m, as compared to 400 m range for their assault rifle counterparts. It has a longer and heavier barrel with revised rifling and 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.[32] It also has a foldable-butt version.[33]

The LMG will be replaced with the IWI Negev Ng7.[34]

Excalibur

[edit]
Main article: Excalibur rifle

Amogh

[edit]
Main article: Amogh carbine

Kalantak

[edit]

The Kalantak micro-assault rifle, with a range of 300 m, is for close combat and personnel defence weapon roles.[35]

Prototype Bullpup

[edit]

Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Bansod, of Army School Mhow reverse-engineered an INSAS rifle to produce a bullpup carbine variant.[36] Lt. Col. Bansod caught the attention of high-ranking Indian Army officers when he made the rifle in 2019.[37]

He reportedly did this in his spare time. The rifle was only made as a prototype example.

Operators

[edit]
Map with INSAS users in blue

Non-state actors

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b 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. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  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. ^ a b c d e f "Rifle 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Johnston, Gary Paul; Nelson, Thomas B. (15 December 2016). The World's Assault Rifles. Ironside International Publishers, Inc. ISBN 9781619846012.
  11. ^ https://static.mygov.in/indiancc/2022/08/mygov-999999999208486606.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b c d e f g h i 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. ^ a b 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. ^ "INSAS rifles to retire; to be replaced by imported weapons". The Economic Times. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  18. ^ "Tihar Jail seeks more lethal rifles to thwart terror strike". Hindustan Times. 19 January 2009. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  19. ^ Pubby, Manu (9 July 2019). "Joint venture for AK 203 rifles factory at Amethi was the 'fastest ever' created with Russia". The Economic Times.
  20. ^ "Indian Army gets new American assault rifles in Kashmir Valley against terrorists, Pakistan Army on LoC". 11 December 2019 – via The Economic Times.[permanent dead link‍]
  21. ^ 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.
  22. ^ Qureshi, Siraj (29 November 2019). "UP Police retires 20th century rifles after 70 years of service". India Today. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  23. ^ "What Indian security forces are doing to meet the need for more assault rifles". 6 November 2023.
  24. ^ "INSAS Rifle/LMG".
  25. ^ a b Singh, Danvir (4 September 2015). Indian Defence Review. Lancer Publishers LLC. ISBN 9781940988207.
  26. ^ "Bone chilling cold in Kargil, minimum settles at -20 degrees Celsius". The Financial Express. 3 January 2018. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  27. ^ "INSAS assault rifle". 27 October 2010.
  28. ^ "40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) | Defence Research and Development Organisation - DRDO, Ministry of Defence, Government of India".
  29. ^ "5.56 mm INSAS Rifle (Foldable Butt)". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  30. ^ https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/65176/1/16_Defence_20.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  31. ^ "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.
  32. ^ "LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Fixed Butt)". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  33. ^ "LMG 5.56 mm INSAS (Foldable Butt)". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  34. ^ a b Ruzhelnyk, Olga (24 March 2020). "India orders IWI's Negev 7.62".
  35. ^ "Kalantak Micro Assault Rifle". Ordnance Factories Board. Archived from the original on 30 September 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  36. ^ 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.
  37. ^ "The Indian Army's 'General Kalashnikov' gives it a new 9 mm sub-machine gun". 14 January 2021.
  38. ^ 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)
  39. ^ "INSAS Assault Rifle | Military-Today.com". Archived from the original on 20 May 2019. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
  40. ^ Peri, Dinakar (5 January 2020). "Army to sign MoU for AK-203 assault rifles in a month". The Hindu – via www.thehindu.com.
  41. ^ 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.
  42. ^ "India: Border Security Force deploys female soldiers at Line of Control for first time". 24 January 2024.
  43. ^ "Centre sanctions armed CISF cover for Surat airport". The Economic Times. 15 June 2020.
  44. ^ "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.
  45. ^ ".303 rifles replaced with INSAS: JH police". Business Standard. 11 September 2012. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  46. ^ 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.
  47. ^ "Nepali Army | नेपाली सेना". www.nepalarmy.mil.np. Nepalese Army. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  48. ^ "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.
  49. ^ "CPI-Maoist Major Incidents 2018".
  50. ^ "Bihar: Insas rifle stolen from Rohtas cop". The Times of India. 18 October 2019.
  51. ^ "6 Arrested for Allegedly Giving Arms to Maoists from Bengal Gun Factory".
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