Adani Defence and Aerospace, in partnership with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), on Saturday delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in India’s push towards indigenous defence manufacturing.

The delivery is part of a larger order of 41,000 LMGs and has been executed well ahead of schedule, underscoring the growing role of private industry in strengthening India’s defence capabilities. The event took place in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and was attended by senior defence officials and industry leaders.

Early Delivery Highlights Speed And Capability

Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) in the Department of Defence, A Anbarasu, emphasised that the early delivery has effectively saved 600 days, or nearly 20 months, for the armed forces.

He noted that both scale and speed are crucial in enhancing India’s defence ecosystem and expressed optimism about the ability of private and public sector players to meet future requirements. Anbarasu also indicated that the Defence Acquisition Procedure is currently being revised to better align with industry needs and accelerate procurement processes.

The ahead-of-schedule delivery reflects a shift in India’s defence procurement landscape, where efficiency and timely execution are becoming key priorities.

Building Indigenous Manufacturing Capability

The Prahar LMG programme is part of the broader Make in India initiative, aimed at reducing dependence on imports and building domestic manufacturing strength.

Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace, described the delivery as the result of a six-year journey focused on developing end-to-end capabilities in small arms manufacturing.

He said the company has evolved from being a component manufacturer to a full original equipment manufacturer (OEM), capable of producing a wide range of weapons, including assault rifles, pistols, sniper systems, and carbines.

Rajvanshi added that the company now has the capacity to manufacture up to one lakh firearms annually, supported by advanced Industry 4.0 technologies and stringent quality control systems designed to minimise defects and ensure reliability.

The emphasis, he said, has been on building a comprehensive ecosystem rather than merely supplying a single product.

Strategic Partnership With Israel Weapon Industries

The joint venture with Israel Weapon Industries has played a key role in enabling technology transfer and capability development. Shuki Schwartz, CEO of IWI, said the Prahar LMG – known as the Negev NG7 in Israel – will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of Indian infantry units.

He highlighted that the weapon has already proven its effectiveness in previous supplies to India and that local manufacturing further strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence production.

Addressing concerns about geopolitical tensions in West Asia, Schwartz assured that both Israeli and Indian production facilities are capable of meeting supply requirements without disruption. He also noted that the joint venture is being structured to function independently, ensuring continuity in production.

Advanced Features Of Prahar LMG

The Prahar LMG is designed for high performance and mobility, making it suitable for modern combat scenarios. It operates from an open bolt system and features a rotating bolt mechanism with gas-operated piston action.

With a 508 mm barrel and an overall length of 1,000 mm, which can be reduced to 820 mm with a folded stock, the weapon is adaptable for varied operational needs, including airborne missions.

Weighing 7.6 kg without a magazine, it is significantly lighter than many comparable systems, enhancing manoeuvrability for troops in the field.

Boost To India’s Defence Ambitions

The delivery of the first batch of Prahar LMGs represents more than just a procurement milestone—it signals India’s growing confidence in its domestic defence industry.

By combining private sector efficiency with international collaboration and policy support, India is steadily moving towards becoming a global hub for defence manufacturing.

As further batches are delivered and production scales up, the programme is expected to strengthen both national security and India’s position in the global defence market.

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