New Delhi: India’s infantry firepower is set for a major boost as Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has confirmed that it will deliver the first batch of 40,000 Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army early next year. The consignment is part of a multi‑year contract signed last year, and according to the company, all tests, trials and evaluations for the weapon system have been completed. Production licences have also been approved.
The complete delivery is targeted for five years, though IWI has indicated it could accelerate the process if required by the Indian Army. LMGs play a critical role in infantry operations, particularly in prolonged engagements, high‑mobility missions and counter‑insurgency operations where sustained firepower is essential.
Separate Contract for 1.7 Lakh Carbines Near Final Stage
IWI is also in the final stages of securing another major supply agreement involving 1.7 lakh Close‑Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines of 5.56×45 mm calibre. These carbines are vital for close‑range combat, urban operations and counter‑terror missions.
The Ministry of Defence plans to procure a total of 4.25 lakh CQB carbines, with Bharat Forge as the primary bidder. Under the proposed arrangement, IWI’s partner company PLR Systems will manufacture about 40% of the carbines in India, strengthening domestic defence production.
Talks Underway on ‘Arbel’ — the World’s First Computerised Fire‑Control System for Small Arms
IWI is simultaneously engaged in discussions with India on the Arbel smart fire‑control system, one of the most advanced weapon technologies globally. Arbel is the first system in the world that provides fully computerised fire‑control capability to small arms such as rifles and carbines.
Using a combination of advanced sensors, AI‑driven algorithms and real‑time data processing, Arbel automatically adjusts the weapon based on factors such as target distance, wind speed, temperature and vibration. As soon as the soldier’s aim aligns accurately with the target, the system fires the shot within a fraction of a second, improving precision by up to 90%, reducing ammunition wastage and lowering the need for extensive training in night or adverse conditions.
Early‑stage talks suggest that co‑production of Arbel may take place in both India and Israel in the future.
Local Manufacturing Push
IWI is setting up a new facility in collaboration with the Adani Group in Kanpur, where production of LMGs and carbines for India will commence in 2026. The company is also in talks to supply rifles, pistols and machine guns to several Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. If procurement volumes rise, annual supplies could reach 10,000 units.
As one of the early partners in the ‘Make in India’ initiative, IWI has been steadily expanding domestic manufacturing through PLR Systems.
Boost to India’s Firepower
India had earlier procured 7.62×51 mm Negev LMGs in 2020, followed by additional approvals in 2023. With the new LMGs, carbines and potential Arbel integration, the Indian Army’s ground combat strength and precision capabilities are expected to rise significantly.
The upcoming deliveries mark a major step in modernising India’s soldier‑level weaponry and enhancing operational readiness across both the Army and central security forces.
