Indian Army Gets First Batch of Indigenous Prahar LMGs, Aims to Increase Firepower in the Infantry

Indian Army Gets First Batch of Indigenous Prahar LMGs, Aims to Increase Firepower in the Infantry

The Indian Army has received the first batch of 2,000 indigenous ‘Prahar’ light machine guns (LMGs), a major step towards the country’s self-reliance in the defense industry.

The LMGs, which operate in 7.62 mm caliber, are part of a larger order of over 40,000 units and are being manufactured in India as part of the government’s initiative to promote the ‘Make in India’ concept. The first batch of indigenous LMGs has been handed over to the Indian Army at Adani Defence and Aerospace’s small arms facility in Gwalior, 11 months ahead of schedule. The handing over ceremony saw Additional Secretary and DG Acquisition in the Defence Ministry, A Anbarasu, flag off trucks carrying the LMGs along with the company’s CEO, Ashish Rajvanshi.

According to Rajvanshi, this is the result of a six-year process beginning with the bid. The company is now on track to deliver the entire order within the next three years. This is much ahead of the schedule.

The program is more than just a supply program. “The focus was not just to deliver a product, but to deliver a deep capability in India for the entire small arms business,” he explained. In this regard, the company has become a full-fledged original equipment manufacturer. It now possesses capabilities in light machine guns, assault rifles, pistols, sniper rifles, and carbines.

The Gwalior facility, he further explained, is capable of producing up to one lakh firearms a year. It was designed with Industry 4.0 and boasts a defect rate of less than 0.5 percent. This, he explained, is a step towards high-quality, high-scale indigenous manufacturing.

Anbarasu explained how this project is a reflection of the government’s commitment to speeding up defense manufacturing. He explained how speed and scale are essential in this regard. He further explained how changes to the Defense Acquisition Procedure are being made to better suit industry needs.

From the perspective of the technology partner, Shuki Schwartz asserted, “The weapon, dubbed NG7 globally, has already proven its worth in earlier supplies to India.” He further asserted, “This production is a major step towards bolstering operational preparedness and self-reliance.”

Regarding concerns over possible disruptions in supply in view of prevailing tensions in West Asia, Schwartz asserted, “Both Israeli facilities and the joint venture in India will ensure uninterrupted supply.”

The Prahar LMG has been designed to bolster the capabilities of India’s infantry forces. It has an open bolt mechanism with a rotating bolt system and gas piston operation. The LMG has a 508 mm long barrel and a total length of 1,000 mm, which can be reduced to 820 mm by folding the stock, making it easier for airborne troops to use.

The LMG weighs 7.6 kg without a magazine and is relatively lighter than many other LMGs in use, making it a valuable addition to India’s military capabilities. The LMGs will prove to be a major addition to India’s military capabilities, particularly for its frontline infantry forces.