A joint venture agreement has been signed between India and the United States, with the American company Sig Sauer partnering with the Nibe Group to manufacture firearms in India. Sig Sauer has stated that India is the ‘largest procurement source’ globally.
Manufacturing of these rifles will begin in 2025, with delivery to the Indian Armed Forces expected within a year. The rifles are already in use by security personnel in several countries, including the Indian Army. Earlier, Sig Sauer had signed a contract with India for 1.45 lakh rifles.
Sig Sauer’s CEO and President Ron Cohen told news agency ANI that by 2025, the company plans to manufacture a complete product in India, initially for the Indian market, including the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Cohen also revealed that the company has recently received an additional order for 73,000 Sig 716 assault rifles, which it will deliver throughout 2025.