New Delhi, March 28: The Indian Army is modernizing its weaponry to enhance national security. In line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the first batch of ‘Prahaar’ light machine guns (LMGs) has been handed over to the Army. The new 7.62×51 mm ‘Prahaar’ LMG will replace the older 5.56×45 mm INSAS LMG.
Although the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and Line of Control (LOC) is relatively calm, the Army is not taking any chances with security and is rapidly upgrading its firepower.
On Saturday, Adani Defence and Aerospace delivered the first batch of 2,000 ‘Prahaar’ LMGs to the Indian Army, dispatched from the Adani Small Arms Complex in Gwalior. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the company were present during the handover.
Ashish Rajvanshi, the CEO of the company, described this as a significant achievement under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He mentioned that while the supply of 41,000 LMGs was initially scheduled over seven years, the company is working to complete it in less than three years. The first phase of 2,000 LMGs has been delivered 11 months ahead of schedule.
The company is currently achieving a production capacity of approximately 1,000 LMGs per month, with plans to deliver an additional 12,000 LMGs and 18,000 carbines in the next 12 months. The total production and supply of 30,000 weapons from the Gwalior facility will be a significant milestone.
A. Ambarasu, the Director General of Acquisition at the Ministry of Defence, noted that early delivery is a very positive sign for the Indian defence sector. He also mentioned that changes are being made in the defence procurement process to strengthen the industry further.
The Gwalior plant has an annual production capacity of about 100,000 weapons, with approximately 90 percent of the materials being indigenous.
Regarding the features of the ‘Prahaar’ LMG, it boasts impressive firepower with a range of about 1,000 meters. It can fire around 700 rounds per minute and is equipped with both a 120-round drum magazine and belt feed options. It can be reloaded in just a few seconds, weighs around 8 kilograms, and can be used from the ground as well as from vehicles and helicopters. The recoil experienced during firing is also minimal.
The Indian Army had issued a proposal for the procurement of over 40,000 LMGs in 2019, with the contract being finalized in 2024.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
