Defence Ministry Signs ₹659.47 Crore Deal for Advanced Night Sights for Army

The newly procured Night Sight systems represent a substantial technological upgrade, designed to enhance the night-fighting capabilities of soldiers deployed in diverse operational environments.

In a significant move towards modernizing the infantry and advancing self-reliance in defence production, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth ₹659.47 crore for the procurement of Night Sight (Image Intensifier) systems for 7.62 x 51mm SIG 716 Assault Rifles of the Indian Army. The agreement was formalized on October 15, 2025, with a consortium led by M/s MKU Ltd (Lead Member) in partnership with M/s Medbit Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

This procurement is classified as a “Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)” (Buy Indian–IDDM) category project, ensuring over 51% indigenous content, reinforcing India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing.

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Enhanced Operational Capability for the Infantry

The newly procured Night Sight systems represent a substantial technological upgrade, designed to enhance the night-fighting capabilities of soldiers deployed in diverse operational environments.

The Image Intensifier-based Night Sights will allow personnel to identify, engage, and neutralize targets up to 500 metres, even in starlit or low-light conditions, providing a marked improvement over existing Passive Night Sights (PNS) in both range and clarity.

The SIG 716 Assault Rifle, known for its superior accuracy and firepower, is a standard weapon for frontline troops. The integration of these new Night Sights will enable soldiers to fully exploit the rifle’s effective range and lethality, particularly during night operations and counter-insurgency missions.

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Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing and MSME Participation

The contract exemplifies the Make in India initiative and underscores the Ministry’s focus on indigenization of critical defence technologies. More than half of the production components will be sourced domestically, providing a major boost to India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) ecosystem engaged in the supply of components, optics, and raw materials.

By involving Indian industries at every stage of production—from design and prototyping to testing and supply chain management—the project will not only generate employment but also promote technological innovation and capability development within the domestic defence sector.

The manufacturing consortium led by MKU Ltd, a globally recognized Indian defence technology company based in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, specializes in ballistic protection, electro-optic systems, and tactical equipment for military and law enforcement. Medbit Technologies Pvt. Ltd, the co-partner, brings additional expertise in optical and electronic integration, further strengthening the indigenous R&D ecosystem.

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A Step Toward “Aatmanirbhar” Defence Preparedness

The procurement marks another milestone under the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, which aims to reduce import dependency and build a robust domestic defence industrial base. The “Buy (Indian–IDDM)” category—introduced under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020—gives top priority to products that are designed and manufactured indigenously, ensuring long-term technological sovereignty.

The new Night Sight procurement is expected to:

• Enhance operational efficiency of infantry units during night combat and reconnaissance.

• Increase indigenous content and local value addition, strengthening domestic manufacturing.

• Encourage MSMEs and startups to engage in high-precision defence technology.

• Foster innovation and R&D collaboration within India’s growing defence industry ecosystem.

This development aligns with the government’s larger goal of making India a global hub for defence production and exports, reducing import dependency on advanced optical and surveillance systems.

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Strategic Importance of Night Vision Capabilities

Night vision systems are considered a force multiplier for ground forces, enabling continuous operational readiness and situational awareness during low-visibility and high-risk missions. In modern warfare—where surveillance, precision, and reaction time determine tactical advantage—enhanced night-fighting capability is crucial.

The newly acquired Night Sights will:

• Enhance counter-terrorism and counter-infiltration operations in border and mountainous areas.

• Improve target detection accuracy and reduce collateral risk in night engagements.

• Support special operations and reconnaissance units operating in no-light or low-light conditions.

Such systems are particularly relevant for troops deployed along the Northern and Western borders, where night operations play a pivotal role in maintaining vigilance and deterrence.

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Reinforcing India’s Defence Vision under “Viksit Bharat 2047”

The procurement demonstrates the government’s long-term strategic focus on building self-sufficiency in critical defence technologies. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of Defence has consistently emphasized innovation-driven indigenization, with a series of reforms promoting private sector participation, simplified procurement, and greater transparency in defence contracts.

Union Minister for Defence Shri Rajnath Singh has reiterated that India’s defence transformation hinges on technological self-reliance, and initiatives like this are key milestones on the path to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 — a fully developed and self-reliant nation.

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A Force Multiplier for India’s Frontline Soldiers

The signing of this ₹659.47 crore contract represents more than just an equipment upgrade—it symbolizes India’s growing technological confidence and industrial maturity. With advanced night vision systems enhancing the combat readiness of Indian soldiers, this step reinforces the nation’s preparedness to meet emerging security challenges with homegrown solutions.

By empowering the infantry with world-class indigenous technology, India continues to strengthen its defence capability and reaffirm its commitment to “Make in India, Make for the World.”