Israeli small arms manufacturer Israel Weapons Industries has delivered the first batch of light machine guns to India, marking a key milestone in bilateral defence cooperation and local manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The NEGEV 7.62x51 — among the lightest in its class of 7.62 mm light machine guns — features both semi-automatic and fully automatic modes and is currently deployed by the Israel Defence Forces. The weapon can also be mounted on helicopters, vehicles, and naval platforms, adding to its operational flexibility. The NEGEV LMGs are also compatible with a computerised weapon system designed to enhance operational effectiveness by enabling precise engagement under stress, the release added. India and Israel, in November last year, signed an agreement to boost defence, industrial and technological cooperation, facilitating the transfer of advanced technologies for co-development and co-production.

Source: The Telegraph April 02, 2026 07:47 UTC