In a move that further intensifies militarization in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Ministry of Defence has signed a deal worth Rs 659.47 crore for the procurement of advanced night sights for Indian army’s 7.62 x 51mm SIG 716 assault rifles, enhancing its capability for night operations, particularly in the occupied territory.
The agreement was signed with a consortium comprising M/s MKU Ltd and M/s Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd, and includes night vision image intensifiers capable of target engagement at distances up to 500 meters, even under starlit conditions. The night sights are reported to significantly outperform the currently deployed passive night sights.
The move is being promoted under the Indian government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) campaign, with over 51% indigenous content. Officials claim the procurement will also support MSMEs involved in manufacturing and raw material supply chains.
India’s Defence Ministry claims a major surge in military production, boasting a record Rs 1.46 lakh crore in defence manufacturing output and exports worth Rs 24,000 crore in 2024–25. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently stated that indigenous systems played a key role in military operations such as Operation Sindoor, asserting that India’s self-reliance now gives it the power to “penetrate any armour of the enemy.”
The acquisition of high-tech night sights—designed for precise, long-range engagement in low-light conditions—signals a deliberate move by India to further entrench its military occupation in Jammu and Kashmir, where hundreds of thousands of troops are already deployed.
While Indian officials cite “self-reliance” and “defence preparedness,” the ground reality in IIOJK reflects widespread use of such technologies in suppressing civilian populations, conducting night raids, and targeting Kashmiri youth and activists. These developments also come at a time when repression, arbitrary detentions, and human rights violations continue unabated in the territory.
The increasing militarization under the banner of “Make-in-India” raises serious concerns about India’s intentions vis-à-vis the disputed territory.
