On March 28, 2026, Adani Defence & Aerospace marked a significant milestone in India’s defense sector by delivering the first batch of 2,000 indigenously manufactured Prahar 7.62 mm Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army. This delivery took place at the Small Arms Complex in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, and was accomplished 11 months ahead of the contracted schedule. The Prahar LMG represents a notable advancement in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. Designed to replace the outdated 5.56 mm INSAS LMG, the Prahar LMG promises enhanced firepower, reliability, and mobility for infantry units engaged in modern combat scenarios.
The Prahar LMG was developed through a strategic collaboration between Adani Defence & Aerospace and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). After passing rigorous trials and receiving approval from the Defence Acquisition Council in August 2023, India entered into a contract for approximately 40,000–41,000 units of this advanced weapon system. Prior limited imports of the Negev NG-7 demonstrated its efficacy, paving the way for full-scale indigenous production via PLR Systems, a joint venture bolstered by Adani’s extensive capabilities. This new weapon addresses crucial operational gaps in squad-level automatic fire support, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LoC), where sustained suppressive fire is essential.
The Prahar LMG features a belt-fed, gas-operated system tailored for both offensive and defensive roles. Key specifications include:
- Calibre: 7.62 × 51 mm NATO
- Weight: Approximately 7.6–8 kg (without magazine)
- Barrel Length: 508 mm (20 inches)
- Overall Length: 1,100 mm (reducible to 820 mm with a folding stock)
- Effective Range: 1,000 metres
- Rate of Fire: 600–750 rounds per minute (cyclic)
- Muzzle Velocity: Exceeding 800 m/s
- Feeding System: Disintegrating-link belt (up to 250 rounds) or 120-round assault drum magazine
- Firing Modes: Safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic
Incorporating advanced design elements such as an open-bolt mechanism, rotating bolt, and gas piston actuation, the Prahar LMG is engineered for optimal performance. A user-adjustable gas regulator ensures reliability in diverse conditions, from extreme temperatures to high-altitude terrains. The weapon’s design includes a robust, foldable bipod for stability, Picatinny rails for additional optics and accessories, luminous iron sights, and quick field-stripping capability. Furthermore, its semi-automatic mode allows for better accuracy during targeted engagements.
When compared to its predecessor, the Prahar LMG offers superior lethality due to its larger calibre while being lighter than many competing models—up to 38 percent lighter than select international alternatives. The Prahar’s enhanced sustained-fire performance is particularly beneficial for infantry squads operating in challenging environments.
The manufacturing operations are based at Adani Defence & Aerospace’s Small Arms Complex in Gwalior—the nation’s first fully integrated private-sector facility dedicated to small arms production. The plant is expected to ramp up its monthly output to 1,000 Prahar LMGs starting in April 2026, with an annual capacity of up to 100,000 weapons. Notably, over 90 percent of the components are sourced domestically, contributing to job creation and bolstering the local supply chain. The swift delivery of the first batch, occurring just seven months post-series production initiation, underscores the company’s project management acumen and technological efficiency.
On a strategic level, by replacing the INSAS LMG, the Prahar significantly enhances infantry unit firepower. It delivers greater kinetic energy and improved penetration capabilities, coupled with a compact and lightweight design that facilitates soldier mobility. This advancement is crucial for operations in rugged terrains and reinforces the Indian Army’s operational readiness along its extensive borders.
Additionally, this program aims to strengthen India’s strategic autonomy regarding small arms, reducing reliance on imports and fostering private-sector innovation in defense manufacturing. Ultimately, it positions Indian industries for potential future exports of advanced LMG systems.
The Prahar LMG stands as a testament to India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defense technology. Its early delivery, combined with a high percentage of indigenous components, showcases the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in addressing the urgent modernization needs of the armed forces. As the production scales up and additional units are deployed to frontline troops, the Prahar promises to transform infantry warfare tactics, equipping soldiers with a reliable, lethal, and truly ‘Made in India’ weapon capable of excelling in the complexities of modern combat.
