The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) is interested in the procurement of over 450 high-powered sniper rifles for use by its field units deployed in high altitude areas.
Notably, ITBP is scouting for a 7.62 x 51 mm bolt action rifle with a killing range of 800 metres or greater. Moreover, these should have an integrated telescopic sight for both daylight and low light conditions, a detachable sound suppressor, and the ability to function effectively in temperatures as low as -30 degrees Celsius.
Previously, in August 2020, the ITBP had projected a requirement of around 358 sniper rifles. Some of the rifles that will be procured will be replacing the obsolete weapons in the inventory of the force, whereas others will make up for the additional authorizations for units.
Currently, the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) including of ITBP are equipped with different types of sniper rifles in such as the IMI Galil, Mauser SP-66 Sniper, PSG-1, Barrett M-95, Steyr SSG-69, and Dragunov SVD which have been directly imported from various foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
