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SSS Defence Delivers Indigenous Upgrade Kit for AK-47s to Indian Army
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ew Delhi: SSS Defence recently completed the delivery of its proprietary upgrade kits to the Army. In October 2021, the Bengaluru based company had won the contract for upgradation of AK 47 rifles from an elite unit (Para Special Forces) of the Army beating Israel’s Fab Defense, which enjoyed a monopoly in the Indian market over the upgrade of AK-47s.
With the closure of supply to a small order - a key turning point for SSS Defence, the company expects to get a larger contract to upgrade another Kalashnikov rifle; the Drangunov Sniper Rifle (DSR). The Northern Command has come out with a Request for Proposal (tender) for the upgrade of 90 pieces of the nearly three-decade-old rifle. Overall, the Army is estimated to have anywhere between 6,000 and 7,000 pieces of the DSR. The indigenous upgrade solution provides more stability to the everdependable AK-47 assault rifle and makes it more deadlier. As India continues to rank among the largest importers of infantry systems, the success of indigenous tech will further spur more startup’s and established OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to venture into the area. According to the company, the upgrade kit package included rugged dust cover, a new gas tube, quad rail fore-end and a flash suppressor. The flash suppressor allows an optic to be mounted along the full length
rail along with an under-barrel grenade launcher (UBGL) on the bottom rail. The upgrade significantly reduces recoil with a new tactical buttstock with a built-in monopod and adjustable cheek rest. The new tactical, foldable butt stock, allows the soldier to operate it better. There is no need for external locking mechanism. The new dust cover allows mounting of sights to help the soldier aim, a feature that the AK-47 lacked until now. There have been changes to the front part, which will allow mounting of a bipod or a knife when needed. The package recoils significantly, and it also helps in reducing ‘pull up to the right’
The AK-47s are a preferred choice because of their dependability and ease of use. The upgrades allow the soldier better grip, firing position, and accuracy. These upgrades are being done at the unit level
traditional to the AK system. Several programs are underway as the Indian army and paramilitary have been trying to modernise their arsenal. Para military and state police forces too are aiming to upgrade to modern day sub machine guns, pistols, sniper rifles and carbines. Having indigenous products to serve these requirements is a major advantage as it ensures continuation of training and missions amidst technological shifts and geopolitical developments. According to a source in the defence and security establishment, “The AK-47s are a preferred choice because of their dependability and ease of use. The upgrades allow the soldier better grip, firing position, and accuracy. These upgrades are being done at the unit level.” SSS Defence has forged a different path and has been working on creating its own Intellectual Property in this domain. The company has its own portfolio of India designed and manufactured sniper rifles, assault weapons, carbines and legacy upgrades. With the inclusion of upgrade programme in the negative import list put out by the defence ministry in August 2020, future roadmap for the company looks bright. Raksha Anirveda April - June 2022
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