Israeli Defence Firm Supplies First Batch Of Light Machine Guns To India

Key facts

• Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) delivered the first batch of 2,000 NEGEV 7.62x51 light machine guns to India under the 'Make in India' initiative.
• The delivery was executed by PLR Systems, a joint venture between IWI and Adani Group, India's first private small arms and ammunition manufacturer.
• The overall contract covers 41,000 LMG units, with an additional 4,000 scheduled for delivery later this year.
• The NEGEV 7.62x51 LMG is deployed by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and features semi-automatic and fully automatic modes.
• The weapon is compatible with helicopters, vehicles, and naval platforms and complies with NATO standards.
• PLR Systems has also secured a contract to supply 170,000 close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines to India, with the first 18,000 units due this year.
• India and Israel signed an agreement in November last year to enhance defence, industrial, and technological cooperation.