Why Indian Army Rejected the JVPC Despite Successfully Passing Rigorous Trials

The Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC), hailed for its innovative design as a compact and lightweight weapon, encountered a significant roadblock in its journey to widespread adoption within the Indian Army. The primary culprit behind this setback was the unpopularity of its 5.56 x 30mm ammunition.

This unique caliber, developed specifically for the JVPC, deviated from the standard 5.56 x 45mm NATO round utilized by the Indian Army and its allies. This divergence created logistical challenges, as supplying and maintaining separate ammunition stocks for the JVPC would have added complexities to military operations.

The 5.56 x 30mm round's limited use globally also raised concerns about its availability during wartime scenarios. This reliance on a non-standard caliber could potentially hinder operational flexibility in situations requiring resupply from external sources.

Despite its innovative features and promising performance, the JVPC's fate was ultimately sealed by the ammunition incompatibility issue. While it found some acceptance among paramilitary forces, the Indian Army's preference for standardized ammunition proved to be an insurmountable hurdle.

The JVPC's story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ammunition compatibility and logistical considerations in the development and adoption of new weapon systems. While the carbine itself showcased potential, its reliance on an unpopular and non-standard caliber ultimately hindered its widespread acceptance within the Indian Army.

 

[Akshat]

First quality is best for purpose, then why it is not being used? Bullets can be manufactured.

Ever heard of logistics?

 

[Akshat]

Another example of how not to run a project from DRDO. And some folks would still blame DRDO for it,

 

[NSR]

India must immediately change the carbine and ammunition to NATO standard as it can not only benefit its own defenses but also can be a crucial supplier of ammunition to many NATO countries and world countries using those standard submachine guns.

Fast track the changes and get to the productions at WARP SPEED.

 

[Primary Goal]

Such small gun doesn’t work for NATO 5.56x45 mm. That round has too much recoil for JVPC. I have AR-15 carbine version and there’s no way you can go shorter than that.

 

[Puneet]

Now that they know something which they should've known earlier, they should bring out a mark 2 version with NATO caliber.

 

[Sandeep]

This gun passed all of the trials and tests that many foreign guns in a similar category failed for some reason or another. Carbine guns are meant for close range contact and the bullets they have developed is a careful balance between a low recoil level and a higher penetration capability. Many western guns have developed similar type of guns with their own special bullet dimensions.

It's time that the army, state and central police start phasing out the INSAS rifle along with the 5.56x45mm rounds which wound a person rather than kill him straight away. India can easily start manufacturing the 5.56x30mm rounds and slowly increase production in a phased manner by a government or private company. This round is very lethal and has the capability to penetrate even a body armour so we should select this gun and ammunition. As for manufacturing the 5.56x45mm round we can still manufacture the bullets and sell it to other countries so we don't need to wind down production of those rounds.

 

[beencensured]

Ever heard of logistics?

They say it pierces through armour. So, that may be reason of better capability. So, rather have weapon for purpose to kill then not work. Besides making the weapon standard caliber does not Guarantee it would work the same.

 

[beencensured]

Who said it’s best for purpose?

Dealing with terrorist being armour piercing. People do spend extra for killer weapons.

 

[Akshat]

They say it pierces through armour. So, that may be reason of better capability. So, rather have weapon for purpose to kill then not work. Besides making the weapon standard caliber does not Guarantee it would work the same.

‘May be’? Talk with proof. Armor piercing capabilities are not due to caliber but when you use steel jacketed bullets. Such bullets are available for all sort of weapons including AK47 and others. Terrorists have used them against IA in the past.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Just anything to kill the product other than merit. JPC quality verses others. Quality is more important or having idiosyncrasy about bullet size. If product is best for purpose, why no use? They can make as many bullet, but use the best product.

Import enthusiasts provide product parameters so that in future they can stop production of indigenous products and resume imports.