New Delhi: With the carnage of the Mumbai 26/11 attacks serving as an ominous example, and also, with special forces around the world increasingly gravitating towards acquiring the corner shot rifle, the Indian Army too has turned its attention towards acquiring this innovative weapon system for its special forces. It is being given to understand that the army has issued a request for information (RFI) to various companies around the world for the supply of such a weapon system. 

Corner Shot weapons enable the user to observe and engage a target from around a corner, especially in situations like the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, ministry of defence officials pointed out Wednesday.

Apparently, the MoD has specified that the weapon should be able to effectively engage targets beyond 200 metres.

The weapons are likely to be used by the army's Special Forces.

The RFI, it is being given to understand, does not specify the number of units to be purchased. The supplier will also need to consider local manufacture in India under licensed production.

Such weapon systems are equipped with small, high-resolution cameras and a monitor that can observe and view a target from various angles. The weapon allows shooters to track a hostile element around a corner with the help of a video camera mounted on the gun, which can swivel 63 degrees on either side.

Corner Shot

The weapon was designed by former Israeli Army senior officers, including Amos Golan, with sponsorship by American investors. The variations developed so far are the Standard, the 40 mm grenade launcher, the APR, and a derived anti-tank version. There are two parts to the weapon system connected by a steel hinge.

It is manufactured by Miami-based Corner Shot Holdings, Llc, with offices in Israel. Units have been sold in 15 countries.