Indian Army Gets First Batch of Prahar LMGs: First Batch Delivers By Adani Defense

Adani Defense and Aerospace has delivered the first batch of 2000 ‘Prahar’ Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army. This guns were manufactured in India under the initiative of Make In India. This 7.62 mm calibre guns are part of the larger order of 40,000 units. The delivery was completed within 11 months ahead of the schedule date and with this its significant step to indigenous defense manufacturing.

First Delivery of Prahar Light Machine Guns

The first consignment of Prahar LMGs was handed over to the company’s small arms manufacturing unit in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The early delivery of this consignment has shown India’s growing efficiency in defense production capabilities. The collaboration for this project is between the Adani Defense and Israel Weapon Industries which combining the global technology with domestic manufacturing. This initiative reflecting the India’s push towards the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) in defense manufacturing.

Features of the Prahar LMG

This Prahar LMG is also known as the globally Negev NG7. It is designed as to significantly enhance and improved infantry combat capabilities.

Key features are like,

Calibre: 7.62 mm

Weight: Around 7.6 kg (lighter than many options in this category)

Barrel Length: 508 mm

Total Length: 1,000 mm (can reduce to 820 mm with folded stock)

Mechanism: Open bolt system with rotating bolt

This weapon is known for the its high precision, reliability and easy handling. With this features it is making ideal for diverse combat scenarios including the difficult terrains.

Focus on Indigenous Capabilities

The delivery of this Light Machine Guns is the strong example of the success of India’s Make in India program in the defense manufacturing. Over the couple of years India has shifted its stance from being a major importer of weapons to the developing the production capabilities of weapons.

Adani Defence has now comes into the full-scale Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) with expertise they have in Light machine guns, Assault rifles, Sniper systems and the Pistols and carbines. The facility at Gwalior is equipped with the advanced Industry 4.0 technology which pave the way for the production of up to 1 lakh firearms annually with extremely low defect rates.

Strategic Importance of SMGs

The induction of Prahar LMGs into the Indian Army system will significantly improve the combat readiness, This weapons includes the,

• Higher firepower and accuracy
• Improved mobility for troops
• Better performance in modern warfare conditions

In the early 2020 India had already strengthened infantry units with a purchase of the LMGs. As the manufacturing starts in India it will strength the combat readiness and operational strength of the country.

Question

Q. With reference to Prahar Light Machine Gun (LMG), consider the following statements:

It is a 7.62 mm calibre weapon.
It is heavier than most comparable systems.
It is produced under the Make in India initiative.

Which of the statements are correct?

A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 only
D. 1, 2 and 3