Indian Commando Unit to Use Israeli Assault Rifles

(November 7, 2011)

India-Israel Strategic Cooperation | Israel Defense Forces: Table of Contents

The elite Indian Cobra commandos, abbreviated as the CRPF in India, bought more than 1,000 units of the Israeli X-95 assualt rifle to use in their counterinsurgency operations against the Maoist rebels.

The X-95 is an ultra-compact light-weight rifle weighing under three kilograms and can use two different calibers of ammunition. The X-95 is a modified version of the Israeli created Tavor assualt rifle which has been introduced into the Israel Defense Forces over the past few years. The rifle can fire 240 rounds continuously and can also be fired with one hand, which makes the X-95 an ideal weapon for the commandos who have to go on long treks in the forests, a top home ministry source said.

"The X-95 will be an effective weapon for counter-insurgency and jungle warfare operations. This force multiplier will instill confidence and morale to the CRPF personnel," the source said.

The weapon also has true 'over-the-beach' capability - which means it can be safely fired after being submerged in water and is not completely dry. It is also ambidextrous enabling easy conversion for a right-handed to a left-handed shooter. CRPF officers say the light weight of X-95 will be a big change from the relatively heavier AK-47s that are currently in use adding to the fatigue of personnel who have to trek long distances.