Night vision assault rifle for India’s networked soldier

India’s future networked soldier will be equipped with the ability to find targets in the dark, thanks to the defense research and development organization (DRDO) developing a night vision integrated 5.56 mm rifle. According to DRDO's Chief Controller of Research and Development (Armament and Combat Engineering) S Sunderesh, the soldier will not have to carry additional night vision equipment. The system will be integrated into the rifle itself for quick reaction to hostile situations. It is also working on a new single-hand operated carbine, he said. Sundaresh said during a news conference that a 5.56mm calibre weapon will be replaced by the Future-INSAS, a prototype for which is currently in development. "We are currently working on a future INSAS rifle which can be integrated into the Future Infantry Soldier project by including a sensor and a thermal imaging device onto the rifle itself," Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) Director Anil M Dattar who was also present said. The ARDE has started working on the new rifle so that it could give night vision to the soldier through thermal imaging sensors integrated onto the weapon system. “Usually Thermal Imagers are available in larger weapon systems or as stand alone. We are trying to miniaturise the TI sensors to fit it on the Future-INSAS," Datar said.