SOURCE: AFI
In a landmark achievement for India’s private defence manufacturing sector, Bengaluru-based SSS Defence has clinched a contract to supply 405 units of its indigenous P-72 Assault Rifles, chambered in 7.62x39mm, to the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Police. Emerging as the lowest bidder (L-1) in a fiercely competitive tender, SSS Defence outshone established players, including the public-sector giant Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), by clearing the technical evaluation phase with its modern, versatile rifle.
The P-72 Assault Rifle, developed by SSS Defence, is part of the company’s innovative P-72 family of rifles, designed to meet the evolving needs of military and law enforcement agencies. Chambered in the widely used 7.62x39mm caliber—the same as the iconic AK-47—the P-72 offers a blend of firepower, reliability, and adaptability. Featuring a short-stroke piston operating system, the rifle ensures smoother operation, reduced recoil, and enhanced durability, making it well-suited for the demanding conditions faced by the UP Police in urban and rural security operations.
The rifle’s select-fire capability allows for both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes, providing operational flexibility. SSS Defence claims the P-72 can effectively engage targets up to 800 meters, a range that caters to both close-quarters combat and longer-distance engagements. Its modular design, including a railed handguard with mounting options at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, supports a variety of optics and accessories, enhancing its tactical utility. This modern design philosophy, inspired by platforms like the FN SCAR and CZ Bren 2, sets the P-72 apart from more traditional offerings.
The supply of 405 P-72 Assault Rifles will enhance the UP Police’s operational capabilities, equipping its personnel with a modern, domestically produced firearm designed for versatility and robustness. The 7.62x39mm caliber ensures compatibility with widely available ammunition, delivering effective stopping power for scenarios ranging from crowd control to counter-terrorism operations. The rifle’s lightweight construction and ergonomic features, such as an adjustable stock and pistol grip, further improve handling and comfort for officers in the field.
This procurement follows SSS Defence’s earlier success in a larger UP Police tender for 2,000 5.56x45mm M-72 rifles in early 2025, demonstrating the company’s growing traction with law enforcement agencies. The addition of the 7.62x39mm P-72 variant diversifies the force’s arsenal, providing options for different mission profiles and reinforcing its readiness to tackle security challenges across India’s most populous state.
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