New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing, Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Armed Forces—well ahead of schedule.
The Prahar LMGs have been developed in collaboration with Israel Weapon Industries, forming part of a larger order of 41,000 guns aimed at strengthening India’s frontline capabilities.
Senior defence official A Anbarasu, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) at the Ministry of Defence, praised the early delivery, noting that the rollout saved nearly 600 days—about 20 months—compared to the original timeline. He emphasized that such speed and scale are critical to enhancing India’s defence ecosystem and encouraged both private and public players to rise to the country’s growing needs.
The delivery, carried out under the Make in India initiative, marks a key milestone in reducing reliance on imports and building domestic capabilities in small arms production.
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace, highlighted that the journey began with a vision of self-reliance and has now evolved into a full-fledged manufacturing ecosystem. He said the company can now produce up to 100,000 firearms annually, supported by advanced Industry 4.0 technologies and stringent quality controls.
Meanwhile, Shuki Schwartz, CEO of Israel Weapon Industries, noted that the Prahar LMG—based on the Negev NG7 platform—will significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of Indian infantry. He added that manufacturing the weapon in India is a matter of pride and a step toward greater defence self-sufficiency.
About the Prahar LMG
The Prahar LMG is a lightweight yet powerful weapon designed for modern combat. It operates on a gas-powered system with a rotating bolt mechanism. With a 508 mm barrel and a collapsible stock, it offers flexibility for paratroopers and field units. Weighing around 7.6 kg, it is considerably lighter than many of its global counterparts, making it easier to handle without compromising firepower.
This early delivery not only strengthens India’s defence preparedness but also underscores the growing role of private industry in advancing the country’s military capabilities.
