Indian Army receives first batch of Negev LMG from Israel
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New Delhi, Jan 30: In order to meet the requirements of Indian Army, Indian Army has received the first batch of Negev Light Machine Guns (LMG) from Israel as it seeks to boost the firepower of frontline troops.
Last year, India’s Defence Ministry signed an Rs 8.8bn ($120.57m) capital acquisition contract with Israel Weapons Industries to procure 16,479 LMGs under the Fast Track Procedure.
In the first batch, 6,000 guns were delivered, while the remaining units are expected to be supplied by March. The weapons are currently undergoing inspections. The LMG was needed to meet urgent operational requirements.
What is the Negev 7.62x51mm LMG?
The Negev 7.62x51mm LMG is a combat-proven weapon system and is used by several countries. The LMG has a higher range, as well as greater lethality compared to the currently used weapons system by the Indian Armed Forces.
It should be noted that India has been engaged in a border standoff with Chinese forces in the Ladakh region since May. Recently, the two sides held the ninth round of talks to resolve the impasse. The military face-off has accelerated defence acquisitions and development in India.
Recently, India unveiled the locally developed machine pistol ASMI for the defence forces. The weapon is in Israel’s class of the Uzi series guns and has a range of around 100m.
