By 31 Dec 2010, Indian Army is expecting information on Infantry Assault Rifles from manufacturers. Indian Army is looking for a modern rifle for its F-INSAS programme. For the Integrated Sighting System, it is looking at the options of luminous tipped Flip-up iron sights, Holographic Sight / Reflex Sight, Visible Laser Target Pointer / Laser Illuminator and Telescopic Sight.

The rifle is expected to be required with Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL).

For keeping it light for the soldier, the rifle required is modular and should facilitate replacement of sub assemblies without the use of any specialist tools. IA is also asking is it can have multi caliber barrel change capability. The calibers it is looking at is (aa) 5.56 X 45mm, (ab) 7.62 X 39mm, (ac) 7.62 X 51mm, (ad) 6.8 X 43mm and (ae) 6.5 Grendel.

The rifle should be ambidextrous. It will make the weapon easy to use with either hands. The Picatinny Rails is being sought at 3 O’clock, 6 O’clock and 9 O’clock position in addition to the regular 12 O’clock position.

Other important aspects are flash suppressor, multipurpose bayonet attachment, trigger compatibility with cold climate gloves, types of butt stock, sling attachment points, multi point vertical forehand grip, construction, maintainability, range and safety.