SIG Sauer announced a joint venture with Nibe Defence and Aerospace Limited on Nov. 8 to advance small arms and ammunition manufacturing operations in India. The new partnership will support India’s “Make in India” initiative, underscoring both entities’ commitment to the region and bolstering SIG Sauer’s role as the primary provider for India’s defense needs.
“SIG Sauer is meeting the increased international demand for our products by solidifying key partnerships across the globe,” said Ron Cohen, president of SIG Sauer. “This important new alliance in India serves to meet that demand in one of the most significant regions for growth in the coming decades. The joint venture with Nibe Defence gives SIG an expanded presence, greater customer engagement, and new collaboration opportunities to meet India’s growing needs.”
Officials from Nibe Defence joined representatives from SIG Sauer and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces for an official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Pune, India, on Nov. 6.
As part of the “Make in India” initiative by the Government of India to accelerate the domestic manufacturing industry, the collaboration between Nibe and SIG Sauer will strengthen India’s defense capabilities while reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliant defense manufacturing.
The Government of India, Ministry of Defence first awarded SIG Sauer a contract for the SIG716 in 2019 for 72,400 rifles. The successful fielding and overwhelming soldier acceptance led to a follow-on award for an additional 73,000 rifles.
“SIG Sauer is excited to partner with Nibe Defence, a proven leader in India’s defense sector, as the primary provider for India’s defense needs,” concluded Cohen.
The number of active-duty military personnel serving in India’s military—roughly 1.5 million—is second only in volume to that of China. Another 1.2 million in the country serve as reserves.
