In a significant development for India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Adani Defence & Aerospace is preparing to hand over the first batch of domestically manufactured Negev NG-7 light machine guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army.
Through PLR Systems—its joint venture with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI)—the company is scheduled to commence deliveries in the first quarter of 2026.
A Milestone in Private Sector Defence Production
This upcoming handover marks the initiation of a major contract awarded in 2024 for 40,000 units under emergency procurement protocols. This deal is widely regarded as the largest single contract for small arms ever granted to a private entity in India.The weapons are being manufactured at the Adani-PLR facility located in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The production is being executed under a full Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement from the Israeli original equipment manufacturer.
The Gwalior plant, which was inaugurated in 2023, has successfully cleared all necessary acceptance trials.
Following a year of trial runs involving the lighter 5.56 mm variant (Negev NG-5), the facility has reportedly achieved a robust production rate exceeding 3,500 units per month.
Strategic Deployment and Timeline
The initial tranche, consisting of 6,000 to 8,000 weapons, is slated for delivery between January and June 2026.According to reports, these units will be prioritised for infantry battalions stationed along the sensitive Line of Actual Control (LAC) and counter-insurgency units operating in Jammu & Kashmir.
The induction of the Negev NG-7 is intended to modernise section-level firepower.
Each fire team is expected to receive two NG-7s, allowing the Army to phase out its aging inventory, which currently includes a mix of the indigenous INSAS LMGs and the Belgian-made Minimi.
Superior Firepower for High-Altitude Warfare
The Negev NG-7 is a 7.62×51 mm calibre LMG, offering greater range and lethality compared to the 5.56 mm weapons it replaces.The weapon was selected following rigorous testing in the high-altitude terrains of eastern Ladakh and Sikkim during 2023–24, where it reportedly outperformed competing designs from Belgium, South Korea, and Russia.
Weighing approximately 7.95 kg and featuring a folding stock, the gas-operated, belt-fed weapon is designed for soldier mobility.
It offers a firing rate of 650 to 850 rounds per minute and is noted for its stability, remaining controllable whether fired from a shoulder position or using a bipod.
Indigenisation and Custom Modifications
This project represents a shift from the traditional reliance on the state-run Ordnance Factory ecosystem, establishing a private Indian firm as a sole supplier of a primary infantry weapon.Adani-PLR has committed to achieving 75% indigenous content by value within three years, with a target of 90% by the end of the decade.
Crucially, the "Make in India" version of the NG-7 incorporates several modifications specifically requested by the Indian Army:
- Enhanced Durability: An indigenous 70% chromium-plated barrel designed to withstand the rigours of sub-zero temperatures.
- Modern Accessory Integration: Picatinny rails manufactured by SSS Defence, allowing for the attachment of optical sights and sensors.
- Network Compatibility: Integration with the Indian Army’s battlefield management systems.
- Ammunition Flexibility: Compatibility with both NATO-standard disintegrating belts and indigenous polymeric magazines developed by the Ordnance Factory Board.
Background
The Indian Army has long sought to standardize its Light Machine Guns to the 7.62x51mm calibre to ensure better stopping power against adversaries equipped with modern body armour.Prior to this indigenous contract, the Ministry of Defence had procured approximately 16,000 Negev NG-7s directly from Israel under a Fast Track Procedure (FTP) in 2020 to meet immediate operational requirements on the northern borders.
The current order ensures that the remaining requirement is met through domestic production, boosting the local defence industrial base.
