The first batch of 2,000 IWI (Israel Weapon Industries) NEGEV 7.62x51 light machine guns (LMG) has been delivered to the Indian armed forces in the last week of March. The delivery was carried by PLR Systems, the joint venture between IWI and Adani. This is the first private company in India to manufacture small arms and ammunition. This marks the first shipment under a larger contract for 41,000 units, with an additional 4,000 scheduled for delivery this year.

The milestone follows the successful completion of the technology transfer process under ‘Make in India’ and reflects IWI’s commitment to delivering advanced systems in accordance with contractual schedules and the highest quality standards, while supporting India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The NEGEV 7.62x51, one of the lightest 7.62mm light machine guns in its class with a semi-automatic mode, epitomizes IWI’s engineering excellence. Extensively deployed by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), it delivers robust performance and exceptional reliability in harsh operational environments, ensuring superior target acquisition and precision. Its lightweight design, combined with powerful 7.62mm ammunition capable of penetrating fortified cover, makes it especially effective in urban combat environments and a premier choice for critical missions by military forces worldwide.

The NEGEV 7.62x51 offers dual modes—semi-automatic for close-quarter battle (CQB) and fully automatic for maximum suppressive fire—and supports helicopter, vehicle and naval mounts for versatile operations. Equipped with Picatinny rails and tritium night sights, it ensures superior targeting in low-light conditions, while compliance with NATO standards guarantees durability and reliable performance in harsh environments.

The NEGEV is compatible with IWI’s ARBEL computerised weapon system, which enhances operator lethality and survivability by enabling precise engagement of threats within short windows of opportunity, even under stress and fatigue.

“Delivering the first batch of these NEGEVs to India demonstrates our ability to provide cutting-edge, combat-proven solutions on a global scale,” said CEO of IWI and Board Member of PLR Systems, Shuki Schwartz. “This programme combines our world-class engineering with local production under Make in India, ensuring that our most advanced technologies are deployed efficiently and reliably. It reflects our commitment to setting the standard in modern light machine guns and to supporting strategic defence partnerships worldwide.

In addition to the NEGEV programme, PLR Systems has been awarded a contract to supply 170,000 IWI CQB carbines to India, with the first 18,000 units scheduled for delivery this year, further strengthening the ongoing defence partnerships between India and Israel.