Indian firm beats Israeli company to get deal for upgrading Army's AK-47 rifles

A four-year-old Indian weapons company has emerged as the lowest bidder for a contract to upgrade a small number of Indian Army’s AK-47 assault rifles, beating off competition from an established Israeli rival and getting a toehold in the Indian small arms market, officials familiar with the development said. Bengaluru-based SSS Defence has edged out Israel’s Fab Defense that produces tactical equipment and weapon accessories, and has upgraded Kalashnikov rifles for the Indian Army. The Indian firm will upgrade an initial lot of 24 AK-47 assault rifles held by an army unit under the Jaipur-based South Western Command, with more orders likely to follow. Watch this report for more.