New Delhi: In a major step towards strengthening infantry operational readiness and promoting indigenous defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth ₹659.47 crore with a consortium of MKU Ltd (lead member) and Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd for the procurement of advanced Night Sight (Image Intensifier) systems for the 7.62 x 51mm SIG 716 Assault Rifles of the Indian Army.
The new generation night sights will significantly enhance the Army’s ability to operate effectively in low-light and starlit conditions. Capable of engaging targets up to 500 metres, these systems mark a major technological upgrade over the existing Passive Night Sights (PNS) currently in use.
The procurement has been classified as a Buy (Indian–IDDM) category project — the highest priority segment under the Defence Acquisition Procedure — mandating over 51% indigenous content. This aligns with the government’s push for Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in the defence sector and supports the domestic ecosystem of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in component production and material supply.
According to the Ministry, the deployment of the new night sights will allow soldiers to fully exploit the longer effective range of the SIG 716 assault rifles, enhancing target acquisition and engagement capabilities during night operations.
Officials said the contract will also boost India’s indigenous electro-optical manufacturing capacity and contribute to developing a resilient defence production base capable of meeting the Army’s future surveillance and combat needs.
The signing of this agreement underscores the Modi government’s continued emphasis on modernising infantry weapons systems through homegrown innovation and technology partnerships, further advancing India’s journey towards a self-reliant defence industrial base.