The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has granted approval for the construction of 17 new baffle firing ranges for approximately Rs2.38bn ($34.64m).
Baffle ranges will be developed in Indian Army military stations, cantonments and training establishments.
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There will be seven ranges added to Indian Army’s Southern Command, three to the Eastern Command, two to the Northern Command, and one each to the South Western and Central Commands.
Central Command’s baffle firing range is proposed to be developed for the Officers Training Academy in Gaya, Bihar.
Capable of facilitating fire from 300m to 500m, the facilities will add to the 60 existing baffle shooting ranges across the country.
Baffle firing ranges offer covered shooting practice areas, which help prevent possible accidents due to stray bullet injuries. The growth of the civilian population around the army cantonments has increased the risk of firing accidents.
The Indian MoD has sanctioned the construction of additional baffle firing ranges to prevent civilian incidents without compromising on the training requirements of the armed forces.
Requiring only 15 acres to 20 acres of land, a baffle range uses an upgraded concept with ground barriers, side walls, baffle walls and stop butt to block misdirected bullets.
A baffle firing range has the capacity to accommodate six soldiers in lying, kneeling and standing-in-trench positions. It is safe against a 14º error from the intended line of fire in the horizontal plane and 12º in the vertical plane.
