Defence Ministry Seals ₹659 Crore Contract for Advanced Night Sights
In a significant boost to India’s defence capabilities and indigenous manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth ₹659.47 crore for the procurement of state-of-the-art Night Sights (image intensifiers) for the 7.62×51 mm SIG 716 assault rifles used by the Indian Army. The official announcement was made on Wednesday, marking another step forward in the nation’s pursuit of technological self-reliance under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
The new equipment will substantially enhance the operational effectiveness of infantry soldiers during night operations, especially in low-light environments such as dense forests, border regions, and high-altitude areas.
Boosting Night Combat Capabilities
According to the Defence Ministry’s official release, the newly procured Night Sights will allow soldiers to engage targets with high accuracy up to an effective range of 500 metres, even under starlit conditions. This represents a major technological leap over the currently fielded Passive Night Sights (PNS), offering greater precision, visibility, and reliability during nocturnal missions.
The Night Sight system, equipped with advanced image intensifier technology, will enable troops to fully exploit the longer effective range of the SIG 716 assault rifles, which were introduced into the Indian Army as part of a major small-arms modernization drive. The upgrade ensures that soldiers can operate effectively regardless of the lighting conditions, thereby enhancing their survivability and combat efficiency.
Indigenous Manufacturing and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The procurement has been categorized under the Buy (Indian-IDDM)—Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured—classification. This category mandates a minimum of 50 per cent indigenous content, though in this case, the Ministry stated that the project will exceed 51 per cent, making it a model example of India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.
This initiative aligns with the central government’s focus on strengthening domestic defence manufacturing and reducing dependency on foreign imports. It also supports the growth of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, which plays a crucial role in the supply chain for defence components and raw materials.
The Ministry highlighted that the project is expected to generate employment opportunities and strengthen the industrial ecosystem for electro-optical systems within the country.
The Consortium Behind the Deal
The ₹659.47 crore contract has been awarded to a consortium comprising M/s MKU Ltd (as the Lead Member) and M/s Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd. Both firms are recognized Indian defence technology companies known for their expertise in developing advanced protective gear and electronic systems for armed forces.
The agreement was signed on October 15, 2025, and it underscores the growing capability of Indian defence manufacturers to deliver world-class systems to meet the evolving requirements of the armed forces.
MKU Ltd, based in Kanpur, has a long history of producing body armour, helmets, and night vision devices, while Medbit Technologies specializes in optoelectronic and imaging solutions. Their collaboration under this contract represents a convergence of cutting-edge research and indigenous innovation aimed at empowering India’s frontline soldiers.
Strengthening India’s Defence Preparedness
The integration of these Night Sights is expected to dramatically improve India’s border surveillance and counter-infiltration capabilities, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The enhanced ability to detect and engage threats in low-light conditions will not only improve mission success rates but also ensure greater safety for soldiers during high-risk night operations.
The Defence Ministry emphasized that this procurement is part of a broader modernization initiative that includes the induction of modern small arms, surveillance systems, and protective equipment. Together, these measures reflect India’s determination to build a self-reliant and technologically advanced military force capable of handling contemporary and future challenges.
As India continues to invest in next-generation defence systems, this deal marks another milestone in the government’s long-term vision of achieving full self-sufficiency in critical military technologies while empowering its domestic industrial base.
