Adani-PLR to deliver the first batch of domestically built NG-7 machine guns under a record 40,000-unit contract, marking a major step in India’s small arms indigenisation.
A Milestone in Indian Small Arms Manufacturing
In a significant stride for indigenous defence production, the Indian Army will begin receiving the first Made-in-India Negev NG-7 light machine guns (LMGs) in early 2026, according to a report in The Times of India.
- The delivery will mark the start of a 40,000-unit contract, the largest small arms deal ever awarded to an Indian private firm.
- Manufactured by Adani Defence & Aerospace through its joint venture with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI)—PLR Systems—this contract is seen as a transformative moment in India’s private-sector military industrialisation.
Built in India, Backed by Israeli Technology
The Indian NG-7s are being produced at PLR Systems’ facility in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, under a full Transfer of Technology (ToT) from IWI.
- The plant was inaugurated in 2023 and has already achieved a production rate of 3,500+ units/month, following successful production of the 5.56 mm NG-5 variant.
- After rigorous high-altitude trials in eastern Ladakh and Sikkim, the NG-7 was chosen over rival LMGs from Belgium, South Korea, and Russia.
NG-7: Lightweight, Lethal, and Army-Optimised
The Negev NG-7 is a belt-fed, gas-operated 7.62×51 mm LMG capable of firing 650–850 rounds per minute, all while maintaining control and accuracy in both bipod-supported and shoulder-fired configurations.
- Weight: 7.95 kg with a folding stock.
- Designed for extreme terrain, especially high-altitude and cold-weather environments.
- First 6,000–8,000 units will be sent to frontline troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and counter-insurgency units in Jammu & Kashmir.
Indigenous Enhancements for Indian Conditions
The Indian Army’s version of the NG-7 includes custom modifications to meet local operational demands:
- 70% chromium-plated indigenous barrel for enhanced durability in sub-zero temperatures.
- Picatinny rails sourced from SSS Defence, enabling quick integration of optics and accessories.
- Integration with the Army’s Battlefield Management System (BMS) for digitised warfare readiness.
- Dual-feed compatibility: Works with NATO disintegrating belts and Indian-made polymeric magazines from the Ordnance Factory Board.
A Break from the OFB Legacy
For the first time, a private Indian defence company has become the sole supplier of a frontline infantry weapon, completely bypassing the traditional Ordnance Factory ecosystem.
- PLR Systems has committed to reaching 75% indigenous content by 2029, increasing to 90% by decade’s end.
- This signals a shift towards modern, decentralised defence production, and reflects growing trust in private-sector manufacturing for core military hardware.
Strengthening the Infantry’s Firepower
The NG-7 will replace ageing INSAS LMGs and imported Belgian Minimis, which currently equip India’s section-level fire teams.
- Each fire team will now receive two NG-7s, drastically improving suppressive fire capability, mobility, and operational readiness in active zones.
- The weapon’s modularity and rugged design will ensure seamless deployment across varied Indian terrains—from icy mountains to dense urban environments.
Short Summary
Adani-PLR will deliver India’s first domestically built Negev NG-7 LMGs to the Army in 2026, under a 40,000-unit contract. Featuring Army-specific upgrades and high indigenous content, the NG-7 marks a major breakthrough in India’s small arms indigenisation and private-sector defence production.
