SOURCE: AFI
Vivek Krishnan, CEO of SSS Defence, has expressed his views on the recent acquisition of SIG 716i rifles by the Indian Army. In a series of tweets, he criticized the government’s decision and outlined his company’s approach to the situation.
Krishnan argued that the government should have opted for a private solicitation and insisted on Indian design and content. He believed this would have encouraged domestic manufacturers to compete and develop better alternatives. He also questioned the need for acquiring more of these rifles, suggesting that a thorough comparison with existing in-service systems would have been sufficient.
Despite the government’s decision, SSS Defence remains committed to its mission. The company has chosen to be a “fearless dog” in the defense industry, offering a wide range of weapons and prioritizing the needs of the Indian armed forces. Krishnan emphasized the company’s global ambitions and its belief in the potential of Indian defense manufacturing.
Addressing concerns about “Make in India” for defense, Krishnan highlighted the contributions of several domestic manufacturers in the small arms space. He expressed confidence in their capabilities and urged the government to be patient. He also emphasized the importance of indigenous weapons in the face of regional security challenges.
Krishnan also touched on the issue of national pride and the quality of Indian-made weapons. He argued that the government-controlled defense sector has historically produced subpar products, leading to a loss of pride. He believes that the private sector is gradually regaining this pride but acknowledged the challenges involved in developing and promoting high-quality weapons.
Finally, Krishnan addressed the criticism that Indian manufacturers lack expertise in metallurgy and design. He challenged the government to conduct open and transparent tests between indigenous weapons and global benchmarks. He argued that this would be the best way to assess the capabilities of domestic manufacturers and ensure that the Indian armed forces are equipped with the best possible weapons.