Uttar Pradesh Plans to Buy 676 INSAS Rifles for Prison Security

On 2 November 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government proposed buying 676 INSAS rifles and 58,795 cartridges for prison security and staff training. The proposal has been sent to the state government for approval; the purchase has not yet been confirmed.

Proposed procurement and cost

The purchase would be made through the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force and cover 5.56 mm SLR INSAS rifles. The Prison Administration and Reform Services Department estimates the total cost at about ₹14 crore: around ₹13.5 crore for the rifles and ₹30 lakh for the cartridges. The ammunition would also support practical training for prison warders and other security staff.

In the previous two years, the department purchased 254 INSAS rifles and 44,875 cartridges.

Important Facts for Exams

• Weapon family: INSAS comprises two infantry-weapon types: an assault rifle and a light machine gun (LMG).
• LMG range: The INSAS LMG has a stated range of 700 metres, compared with 400 metres for the assault-rifle counterpart.
• Magazine design: Its translucent polymer magazine lets users see the remaining cartridges; the standard INSAS rifle magazine holds 20 rounds.
• Design institution: The INSAS family was designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment, a Defence Research and Development Organisation laboratory based in Pune.