The Indian Army is reportedly set to receive a batch of indigenously developed 5.56mm assault rifles in March.

Developed by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the new assault rifle is based on Bofors guns and will replace the existing 5.56mm Insas rifle.

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OFB completed a series of tests to evaluate the rifle’s capabilities at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.

OFB director general AK Prabhakar was quoted by Times of India as saying: "The assault rifle is going to be the owner’s pride and neighbour’s envy.

"The tests were successful and it is hoped that the army will accept it."

"The tests were successful and it is hoped that the army will accept it."

The Indian Army currently use standard issue weapons that are believed to be inferior to those used by militants.

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The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) had previously requested rifles with interchangeable barrels.

OFB recently completed the successful test-firing of a superior assault rifle based on existing 130mm guns at Pokhran, Rajasthan.

Prabhakar was further quoted by Business-Standard as saying: "We have future plans to develop and manufacture SMERCH rockets, Pinaka Mk-II, latest version of 84mm Karl Gustav with tandem warheads, 125mm FSAPDS ammunition, new generation 5.56 assault rifles and new generation smart ammunitions and future infantry combat vehicle (FICV)."