New Delhi: India’s defence procurement programme is set for a significant boost as Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) and its Indian joint-venture PLR Systems prepare to supply the first batch of 40,000 Negev Light Machine Guns (LMGs) in early 2026.
Alongside this major delivery plan, the Israeli manufacturer is also in the final stages of signing a contract for nearly 1.7 lakh next-generation Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines for Indian forces.
The development marks another step in strengthening India–Israel defence ties, expanding domestic manufacturing under “Make in India,” and accelerating long-pending modernisation of India’s infantry weapons.
Background of IWI India Negev LMG Deal
India has long been working to replace outdated small arms used by the Army, CAPFs, and state police units.
The requirement for modern LMGs and carbines has been urgent due to:
- Ageing INSAS-based systems
- Increasing counter-terror and counter-insurgency deployments
- Demands for lighter, more reliable, and modular weapons
- Multi-theatre challenges across borders and internal security regions
The Negev NG7 and IWI carbines have repeatedly emerged as preferred choices in trials owing to their reliability, accuracy, and battlefield endurance.
PLR Systems and IWI: A Key Indo-Israeli Defence Collaboration
PLR Systems (IWI–AD&A), based in Madhya Pradesh, is India’s first private-sector small-arms manufacturing plant with Israeli partnership.
It manufactures and assembles multiple weapon systems, including:
- Negev NG7 LMG
- X95 Carbine
- Tavor Assault Rifle
- Galil Sniper Rifle
The collaboration aims to increase Indian manufacturing share, reduce import dependency, and build long-term production capability for small arms.
IWI India Negev LMG Deal: 40,000 Negev LMGs to Be Supplied Starting Q1 2026
According to the report by The Hindu and posts by DefenceDecode, IWI CEO Shuki Schwartz confirmed that the company is ready to supply the first batch of LMGs at the beginning of next year.
Key Facts:
- The contract was signed in 2024.
- All trials, government inspections, and licensing are complete.
- The supply timeline is spread across five years.
- First batch will arrive early 2026, though IWI states it could deliver faster if required.
The Negev NG7 is already in limited use with Indian special units, but the new contract will standardise and upgrade LMG capability across a wider range of forces.
1.7 Lakh New-Age Carbines: IWI India Negev LMG Deal in Final Stage
The second major programme underway involves the long-pending CQB Carbine tender, a critical requirement for urban warfare, counter-terrorism operations, and CI grids.
Highlights:
- India intends to procure nearly 1.7 lakh carbines.
- IWI was second bidder in earlier tenders; Bharat Forge was primary.
- Under the new framework, IWI expects 40% of the contract.
- The IWI India Negev LMG Deal is currently in pre-signing stage and is expected to be finalised by late 2025 or early 2026.
This large-scale procurement will replace ageing 9mm carbines and provide modern, compact, high-mobility systems to frontline forces.
Strategic Importance of IWI India Negev LMG Deal for India
1. Strengthening Infantry Firepower: The two weapon systems—Negev LMGs and IWI carbines—will significantly improve India’s close-combat and suppression capabilities across multiple conflict zones.
2. Boost to Make in India: A substantial portion of assembly and components will be produced by PLR Systems in India, reducing dependency on imports.
3. Enhanced Operational Readiness: Indian forces deployed along the LAC, LOC, and high-risk internal security regions will benefit from more reliable, lighter, and quicker-response weapons.
What Is Being Produced in India?
Although the entire weapon is not yet fully indigenous, the partnership allows:
- Local assembly
- Components manufacturing
- Skill transfer
- Technology adaptation
- Future potential for complete indigenous production
- PLR Systems is expected to raise its Indian content share with each phase of production.
India–Israel Defence Partnership: A Growing Arc
India has been one of the largest buyers of Israeli defence equipment for decades. Collaboration spans across:
- Drones & UAVs
- Missile systems
- Small arms
- Electronic warfare
- Intelligence systems
The new small-arms contracts deepen this strategic bond and align with India’s future defence industrial roadmap.
Read also: Big Boost to Make in India: DRDO Integrates Next-Gen GaN AESA Long Range Radar System
