A New India
Chapter 233 - 233: Garuda Assault Rifle - II

The military evaluation of the Garuda assault rifle marked a pivotal moment for Birla Defence Works.

After a year of relentless development and rigorous internal trials, the rifle was finally ready to face the ultimate test: evaluation by the Indian Armed Forces.

The big Army testing grounds near Dehradun were selected for this critical phase.

The region's diverse terrain and unpredictable weather made it an ideal location to test the rifle's adaptability and reliability under real-world conditions.

As the evaluation day arrived, the atmosphere was electric.

Senior officers from the Army, representatives from the Ministry of Defence, and experts from Birla Defence Works gathered to witness what could become the standard issue weapon for India's armed forces.

Chief Designer Raghav arrived early, accompanied by his core team, including Dr. Anita Kapoor, the ballistics expert, and Rajeev Singh, the lead mechanical engineer.

Rows of Garuda rifles, freshly cleaned and polished, were lined up on tables under a large military tent.

Senior military officials, including General Singh, head of the Army's weapons evaluation board, walked in with an air of authority.

"Good morning, everyone," General Singh began, addressing the gathered engineers and officers. "Today's evaluation is about more than just testing a weapon. It's about assessing whether Garuda can meet the diverse needs of our soldiers. Our expectations are high."

Raghav stepped forward, holding one of the rifles. "General Singh, the Garuda has been designed to excel in every environment and adapt to every mission. Today, we aim to demonstrate its full potential."

"Very well," Singh said, nodding. "Let's begin."

The first phase of testing focused on accuracy and range.

Targets were set at 200, 400, 600, and 800 meters across the testing range.

Captain Nishant Sharma, who had conducted the internal trials, was tasked with demonstrating the rifle's precision.

Nishant took his position at the firing line. Adjusting the holographic sight, he fired single shots at the 400-meter target.

Each round struck dead center, earning murmurs of approval from the officers.

"Good start," Singh remarked, his eyes narrowing as he observed through binoculars. "But let's see how it performs at maximum range."

Switching to the 18-inch barrel for long-range precision, Nishant aimed at the 800-meter target.

The crack of the rifle echoed across the range, and seconds later, the target displayed a clean hit.

One of the officers, Colonel Mehta, leaned in toward Singh. "This kind of accuracy at 800 meters is exceptional for an assault rifle."

Singh nodded but remained focused. "It's promising, but accuracy is just one part of the equation."

Next, the officers evaluated the Garuda's adaptability.

Raghav demonstrated the quick-change barrel system, swapping out the long-range barrel for a shorter 14-inch one designed for close-quarters combat.

The process took less than 30 seconds, drawing raised eyebrows from the evaluators.

"This is impressive," Colonel Mehta said. "It usually takes minutes to reconfigure most rifles."

Nishant then navigated a simulated urban combat course, engaging targets hidden behind walls and corners.

The rifle's lightweight design and shortened barrel allowed him to maneuver easily through tight spaces.

"At 3.9 kilograms, this is one of the lightest rifles I've handled," Nishant said after finishing the course. "It's perfect for close-quarters engagements."

The durability tests followed, designed to push Garuda to its limits.

Engineers buried the rifle in fine sand, submerged it in water, and placed it in a freezing chamber set to -40°C. After each test, Nishant fired multiple rounds, and the rifle performed flawlessly.

"It's rare to see this level of reliability," Anita explained to the officers. "The Garuda's heat-resistant materials and advanced coatings ensure it operates in extreme conditions."

For the final durability test, a truck drove over one of the rifles, its massive weight pressing into the weapon.

Once retrieved, the rifle was loaded and fired without issue.

General Singh raised an eyebrow. "This kind of durability is what our soldiers need in the field. It's impressive."

To test Garuda's endurance, Nishant fired 1,000 rounds in continuous bursts.

Engineers monitored the rifle's heat levels, ensuring that the barrel remained within operational limits.

After the final round, Nishant placed the rifle down and addressed the gathered officers. "No jams, no misfires. The advanced cooling system handled the heat perfectly."

Colonel Mehta inspected the rifle. "Even after 1,000 rounds, the barrel shows minimal wear. That's remarkable."

The final phase was a live combat simulation. Soldiers equipped with Garuda rifles participated in a mock battle, navigating a rugged terrain filled with obstacles.

The officers observed how quickly the soldiers adapted to the new weapon, using its modular features to switch between configurations as the scenario evolved.

The rifle's two-round burst mode, designed for precision and ammunition conservation, proved particularly effective.

Soldiers used it to engage multiple targets quickly and accurately, impressing the evaluators.

"This mode gives us the precision of semi-auto with the added power of a second shot," one of the soldiers remarked. "It's perfect for rapid engagements."

As the evaluation concluded, the officers gathered in the command tent for a final debriefing.

General Singh stood at the head of the table, addressing the group. "The Garuda has exceeded our expectations. Its accuracy, modularity, and durability make it a strong contender for adoption. However, we'll need further feedback from field units before making a final decision."

Raghav nodded, his voice steady but filled with pride. "General, we're confident that Garuda will meet and exceed the Army's needs in every scenario."

Singh extended his hand to Raghav. "You've done excellent work here. If field trials confirm what we've seen today, the Garuda could very well become the standard issue for our forces."

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The noise of the aircraft engine filled the cabin as General Vikram Singh leaned back in his seat, flipping through his notes.

The evaluation of the Garuda assault rifle had left him impressed, but he knew the final decision lay with Prime Minister Rohan.

The sun was setting over Raisina Hill as General Singh's car pulled into the courtyard of South Block.

The sandstone façade of the building glowed in the amber light, and soldiers stood at attention as Singh exited the car, his crisp uniform immaculate.

Inside, the corridors bustled with activity, though a sense of order and discipline prevailed.

"General Singh, the Prime Minister is expecting you," an aide said, guiding him toward the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the setting sun, hands clasped behind his back.

As Singh entered, Rohan turned, his face calm but expectant.

"General Singh," Rohan greeted, extending his hand. "Welcome back. I trust the evaluation went as planned?"

Singh nodded, his expression resolute. "Prime Minister, I have much to report."

The two men sat across a large mahogany table, a stack of papers and a model of the Garuda rifle between them.

Rohan gestured for Singh to begin.

"Sir, the Garuda rifle has exceeded expectations in every category," Singh began, placing his notes on the table. "Its accuracy, adaptability, and durability make it a formidable weapon, well-suited for the diverse conditions our soldiers face."

Rohan leaned forward, his sharp eyes focused. "What did the field trials reveal?"

Singh opened his file, pulling out a detailed report. "Let me start with accuracy. The Garuda performed flawlessly at ranges up to 800 meters with advanced ammunition. At 600 meters, it was deadly accurate, far surpassing the current Lee-Enfield rifles. Even under rapid fire, it maintained precision, thanks to the short-stroke gas piston system."

Rohan nodded, tapping his fingers on the table. "And its adaptability? You've seen the variety of environments our troops face from deserts to jungles to mountains."

Singh smiled faintly. "That's where Garuda truly shines. The quick-change barrel system allows soldiers to adapt it for close-quarters combat, standard engagements, or long-range precision within seconds. During trials, we simulated urban combat and mountainous terrain Garuda handled both effortlessly."

"What about weight?" Rohan asked, glancing at the model rifle. "I've heard complaints about the bulk of rifles like the FN FAL."

Singh tapped his report. "At 3.9 kilograms, the Garuda is among the lightest in its class. Soldiers carried it through obstacle courses and combat simulations without fatigue. It's far more manageable than the FN FAL and even the StG 44."

Rohan folded his arms. "How did it fare under stress? Can it handle the extremes of our environment?"

Singh's tone turned serious. "Prime Minister, the durability tests were nothing short of remarkable. The rifle was submerged in water, buried in sand, and frozen at -40°C. Each time, it fired flawlessly. We even drove a truck over it, and it came out firing."

Rohan raised an eyebrow. "A truck?"

Singh chuckled. "It was an extreme test, but the Garuda passed with flying colors. Its heat-resistant materials and advanced cooling system handled even 1,000 rounds of continuous fire without overheating or jamming."

"That's impressive," Rohan said, a slight smile appearing on his face. "Reliability is non-negotiable for our soldiers."

Rohan's expression grew contemplative. "And what did the soldiers say? They'll be the ones carrying this into battle."

Singh leaned forward. "Sir, their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. They praised its two-round burst mode, which provides precision without wasting ammunition, and its ambidextrous controls, which make it user-friendly for all soldiers. One comment stood out: 'The Garuda isn't just a rifle, it feels like an extension of the soldier.'"

Rohan nodded thoughtfully. "That's high praise. What about areas of improvement? Did anything stand out?"

Singh shook his head. "The only suggestion was to provide more accessories, like enhanced scopes and under-barrel grenade launchers, which are already compatible with the Picatinny rail system. Beyond that, it's ready for deployment."

Rohan rose from his chair, pacing slowly as he processed the information. "General, you've seen more weapons evaluations than most. Do you believe this rifle is what our armed forces need?"

Singh stood, his posture straight. "Prime Minister, the Garuda is the most versatile and reliable rifle I've ever seen. It's not just a replacement for our current arsenal it's a step into the future. If we adopt it, we'll be setting a new standard."

Rohan turned, his expression resolute. "Very well. Begin the process for large-scale production. Let's not delay giving our soldiers the best equipment possible. And, General Singh ensure that the initial batch reaches our front-line units in the harshest environments. They need this rifle the most."