Multi Caliber Individual Weapon System (MCIWS) is the new assault rifle developed by ARDE Pune of Defence Research and Development Organization DRDO and to be manufactured by OFT Trichy of OFB, India.

It was first seen at the DEFEXPO 2014 exhibition.


Type Assault rifle
Place of origin India
Designer Armament Research and Development Establishment
Manufacturer Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli

Specifications -

Weight 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) (empty)
4 kg (8.8 lb) (loaded with magazine)
Length 910 mm (36 in) (including butt)

Cartridge 5.56×45mm NATO
7.62×39mm
6.8mm Remington SPC
Action Gas-operated, Rotating Bolt
Rate of fire 600-650 rpm
Muzzle velocity 715–890 m/s (2,350–2,920 ft/s)
Effective firing range 500 meters [
Feed system 30-round detachable box magazines
Sights Iron sights, various day and night optical sights

The assault rifle is configured to fire in 5.56 NATO, 7.62×39 and in 6.8 Remington SPC.

Its design is influenced by both the AR-15 and the FN FNC.

The barrel assembly appears to be based on the AK-47.

The design would allow soldiers to configure it according to the needs of the missions by changing rifle barrels.

The MCIWS uses a gas operated short stroke piston design.

The rifle would use 30-round plastic-type magazines.

It would also be ambidextrous features, such as the charging lever and magazine release.