New Delhi: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), assigned to guard India’s northern border, has sought new sniper rifles with greater firepower in keeping with latest challenges.
The Himveers, as they are called, have sought 564 bolt-action rifles that have a range of over 1,200 metres. These rifles would be of 8.6 mm calibre, as reported by The Tribune.
The force uses the legacy Austrian 7.62 mm Styer SSG – 69 for sniping as of now. These weapons, with a range of about 800 metres, have been in service for decades.
The larger calibre weapons that the ITBP seeks would be heavier, offer greater range, kinetic energy and wind resistance, experts say. Wind resistance is an important factor as the Himveers operate in high altitude terrain in the Himalayas where wind speed is high.
Several models of the 8.6 mm or equivalent .338-inch sniper rifles are available in the international as well as domestic market. These can meet the ITBP’s requirements in terms of range and operational environment in high altitude, rugged terrain, and cold weather.
Two India-based private firms are also marketing 8.7 mm or .338-inch sniper rifles. These weapons are the Saber.338 Lapua Magnum made in Bengaluru and the CSR 338 made in Hyderabad.
The estimated price of a modern 8.6 mm sniper rifle, along with a telescope and accessories, is Rs 8-9 lakh apiece. Keeping this in mind, the ITBP apprehends an expenditure of Rs 45-50 crore for the whole lot, depending upon the model, final price negotiation, and other components of the deal, including ammunition, tools and spares, sources have been quoted as saying.
These heavier calibre sniper rifles are already in use with some forces in India. The Army, apart from the stock 7.62 mm sniper rifle, has inducted the Finnish Sako TRG-42 and the Italian Beretta Scorpio TGT. The National Security Guard uses the US Barrett Model 98B.
In 2025, the Central Reserve Police Force procured 200 indigenously manufactured .338-inch sniper rifles from the Hyderabad firm.
Snipers are crucial for all modern-day operations in sensitive areas by security forces. These skilled marksmen perform overwatch duties, both during routine patrolling and operational missions, keeping a lookout for the adversary. A single well-placed sniper can pin down a body of enemy troops for a considerable length of time.
