New Delhi: The MEPRO X6 day sight for NEGEV machine guns has been selected by the Indian Army to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of its frontline light machine guns. The contract will be executed through Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), while manufacturing will take place in India under a technology transfer agreement, supporting the government’s Make in India initiative.
Details of Indian Army NEGEV Machine Guns Upgrade
The Indian army has selected the MEPRO X6 telescopic day sight developed by Israeli defence optics company Meprolight.
The sight will be used on the Army’s NEGEV 7.62×51 mm Light Machine Guns (LMGs), which are already in service with Indian infantry units. Deliveries of the new sights are expected to begin by the end of the current financial year. The move is aimed at improving soldiers’ ability to identify and engage targets accurately during daytime operations.
NEGEV Machine Guns Already in Large Numbers
The Indian Army has been steadily expanding its use of the Israeli-origin NEGEV machine gun. Important milestones include:
- In 2020, India procured 16,479 NEGEV NG-7 machine guns through an emergency fast-track process.
- In August 2024, the Army placed an order for 41,000 additional NEGEV machine guns.
- The weapons are replacing older INSAS light machine guns used by Indian troops.
The NEGEV is now being manufactured in India at a facility in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, further increasing indigenous defence production.
Indian Army NEGEV Machine Guns Upgrade: Make in India Boost Through Technology Transfer
A major highlight of the project is the Transfer of Technology agreement between Meprolight and RRP Defence. Under this partnership:
- Manufacturing knowledge will be transferred to India.
- Production capabilities will be developed locally.
- Future maintenance and support can become easier within the country.
- Indian defence manufacturing capabilities will receive a boost.
Industry experts view the project as another example of India’s growing focus on indigenous defence production while leveraging advanced foreign technology.
BEL Wins Indian Army Tender
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has secured the Army tender for supplying the sights. Under the arrangement:
- BEL will act as the main contractor for the Indian Army.
- RRP Defence will manufacture the sights in India.
- Meprolight will provide technology and manufacturing know-how through a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement.
This model supports India’s push for local defence production and reduced dependence on imports.
What is the MEPRO X6 Sight
The MEPRO X6 is a fixed 6x magnification telescopic sight. In simple terms, it helps soldiers see distant targets more clearly and aim more accurately.
What are the Features of MEPRO X6 Sight
- 6x optical magnification
- Better target identification
- Wider field of view
- Strong performance in harsh weather and battlefield conditions
- Designed for rifles and light machine guns
The Indian Army selected the sight after extensive trials and environmental testing focused on reliability, accuracy, durability and ease of use.
