Defence Ministry signs contract with Israeli firm to procure 16,479 LMGs for frontline troops

[BL33D]

The Defence Ministry on Thursday announced that it signed a contract with the Israel Weapons Industries(IWI), finalising the procurement of 16,479 light machine guns (LMGs) worth around Rs 880 crore.

"The contracted Negev 7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat-proven weapon and currently used by several countries around the globe. This LMG will greatly enhance the lethality and range of a soldier vis-a-vis the presently used weapon," the press release issued by the ministry stated.

"The Indian Armed Forces' long-standing requirement of a modern state-of-the-art LMG has finally fructified. The acquisition wing of the Ministry of Defence has signed the capital acquisition contract with IWI for procurement of 16,479 LMGs at a cost of Rs 880 crore with the approval of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh," the press release further added.


7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat weapon used by several countries across the globe. It is lethal and will enhance the range of a soldier significantly in comparison to the previous weapons used by the armed forces.

The weapons were procured under the Fast Track Procedure (FTP). The procedure is used for fast procurement of operational requirements.

NEGEV NG-7 | TECHNICAL DATA
Caliber: 7.62X51mm

Rifling: 4 RH Grooves, 1:12″ twist

Barrel length (mm): 508 (20″)

Total length exstended (mm): 1,100

Total length retracted (mm): 1,030

Weight (Kg) (weapon only): 7.95

Rate of fire (approx. rd./min): 600~750 (position 1 & 2)


https://www.dnaindia.com/india/repo...ocure-16479-lmgs-for-frontline-troops-2817822

 

[Zapper]

The Defence Ministry on Thursday announced that it signed a contract with the Israel Weapons Industries(IWI), finalising the procurement of 16,479 light machine guns (LMGs) worth around Rs 880 crore.

"The contracted Negev 7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat-proven weapon and currently used by several countries around the globe. This LMG will greatly enhance the lethality and range of a soldier vis-a-vis the presently used weapon," the press release issued by the ministry stated.

"The Indian Armed Forces' long-standing requirement of a modern state-of-the-art LMG has finally fructified. The acquisition wing of the Ministry of Defence has signed the capital acquisition contract with IWI for procurement of 16,479 LMGs at a cost of Rs 880 crore with the approval of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh," the press release further added.


7.62X51 mm LMG is a combat weapon used by several countries across the globe. It is lethal and will enhance the range of a soldier significantly in comparison to the previous weapons used by the armed forces.

The weapons were procured under the Fast Track Procedure (FTP). The procedure is used for fast procurement of operational requirements.

NEGEV NG-7 | TECHNICAL DATA
Caliber: 7.62X51mm

Rifling: 4 RH Grooves, 1:12″ twist

Barrel length (mm): 508 (20″)

Total length exstended (mm): 1,100

Total length retracted (mm): 1,030

Weight (Kg) (weapon only): 7.95

Rate of fire (approx. rd./min): 600~750 (position 1 & 2)


https://www.dnaindia.com/india/repo...ocure-16479-lmgs-for-frontline-troops-2817822

Pathetic that we're now importing small arms as well to fill the pockets of babus and IA's top brass when private Indian firms could develop the same on par with western standards

 

[Mrityunjay Rai]

Pathetic that we're now importing small arms as well to fill the pockets of babus and IA's top brass when Indian firms could develop the same on par with western standards

Firangi mal ka maja hi kuch aur hai.

 

[Baba_Yaga]

Pathetic that we're now importing small arms as well to fill the pockets of babus and IA's top brass when Indian firms could develop the same on par with western standards

Why blame the army? I don't think there are any private firms in India building quality small weapons. All small weapons are made by OFB, and we can all vouch for their quality. In any case, small weapons research is not priority. I would rather have private sector concentrate on big ticket items -tanks, aircraft etc that cost tens of billions of dollars. These small purchases don't affect much. Besides, there are some things that you simply cannot improve upon. Assault rifles don't get much better than the AK47. So it was absolutely worth buying AK203 rather than reinvent the wheel.

 

[Zapper]

Why blame the army? I don't think there are any private firms in India building quality small weapons. All small weapons are made by OFB, and we can all vouch for their quality..

Until recently, OFBs' are the only ones allowed to manufacture small arms similar to what Gun Carriage factories make artillery. Since 2014, Tata, Mahindra, Kalyani, L&T, Bharat Forge all came up with their own indigenous designs which were on par with some of the best western counterparts and meet all GSQR reqs. For instance, IA learnt about Tonbo's sights only when they saw few NATO units using them. Same with MKU's helmets

A few startups exhibited carbines, assault rifles and snipers in DefExpo2020 which are way better than any OFB equipment and infact the AK-203 as well. L&T was able to produce K9 Vajras way before deadlines while OFBs' and GCFs' have a proven record to indefinitely delay with severe cost overruns and the shoddy quality ofcourse

https://twitter.com/x/status/1225107649907191808

It costed us the same procuring Sig-716 off the shelf and manufacturing the AK-203 in-house which is around $1000-1100. Again, one might think it's the cost of setting up a manufacturing facility by OFB but nope, it's costing us over $1k per piece for each AK excluding the facility/equipment cost which is pretty basic and sub-par. Incase, you want to know how crappy AK-203 is, check this out
https://www.******************/forums/threads/small-arms-tactical-equipment.114/page-59#post-127579

 

[Baba_Yaga]

A few startups exhibited carbines, assault rifles and snipers in DefExpo2020 which are way better than any OFB equipment and infact the AK-203 as well.

How do you know? Since they have never been tested in battle, can't say they are better than the AK203. Most modern assault rifles still struggle to compete with the AK-47 in many areas, best to just stick with modern refined versions of the AK47.

 

[Zapper]

How do you know? Since they have never been tested in battle, can't say they are better than the AK203. Most modern assault rifles still struggle to compete with the AK-47 in many areas, best to just stick with modern refined versions of the AK47.

There is no record of AK-203 being tested in actual warfare either. On that note, most recent weapons used by various countries haven't been tested. SSS Defence's snipers are currently being tested by Para SF and NSG which I hope meets their requirements. IA's top brass only shows interest when some foreign or elite unit is using them (typical desi mentality)

 

[BL33D]

Why blame the army? I don't think there are any private firms in India building quality small weapons. All small weapons are made by OFB, and we can all vouch for their quality. In any case, small weapons research is not priority. I would rather have private sector concentrate on big ticket items -tanks, aircraft etc that cost tens of billions of dollars. These small purchases don't affect much. Besides, there are some things that you simply cannot improve upon. Assault rifles don't get much better than the AK47. So it was absolutely worth buying AK203 rather than reinvent the wheel.

Provide a competition to private firms and entrepreneurs to build the required products. Those who pass a preliminary stage should be provided some initial funding. Guarantee them orders if the product meets the parameters and international standards. This will work wonders for most of our importing woes. Its the fucking bureaucracy.

 

[Zapper]

Most modern assault rifles still struggle to compete with the AK-47 in many areas, best to just stick with modern refined versions of the AK47.

Now I feel like I'm talking to a wall. AKs' despite being reliable are not the best weapons out there and we have better availability at that price point

 

[BL33D]

Now I feel like I'm talking to a wall. AKs' despite being reliable are not the best weapons out there and we have better availability at that price point

They are rugged and reliable. But they are heavy, not modular, do not support a variety of modern optics. Not the best ones ergonomically.

 

[Zapper]

They are rugged and reliable. But they are heavy, not modular, do not support a variety of modern optics. Not the best ones ergonomically.

Most importantly, they're not that accurate and have a relatively higher recoil when compared to ARs'. Also, Kalshnikov exhibited the exact rifle that IA will be receiving which isn't exactly an AK-203 either but more like a hybrid between AK-103 & AK-203...that's a total rip-off for the price

 

[Type59]

Well good. Isrealis need the money. Isreal and india forever

 

[BL33D]

Most importantly, they're not that accurate and have a relatively higher recoil when compared to ARs'. Also, Kalshnikov exhibited the exact rifle that IA will be receiving which isn't exactly an AK-203 either but more like a hybrid between AK-103 & AK-203...that's a total rip-off for the price

Afaik, Ak203 is just the name for export version of Ak103. There isnt any difference. Maybe in the stock.

 

[Zapper]

Afaik, Ak203 is just the name for export version of Ak103. There isnt any difference. Maybe in the stock.

There are few minor differences but nothing that distinguishable...like AK203 has adjustable and foldable telescopic butt-stock, relatively weighs less due to use of polymers, Picatiny rails on its upper & lower receiver, better ergo pistol grip, fire selector has additional tab for trigger finger, ambidextrous controls, receiver cover is hinged on rear sight block and it has a Birdcage Type hybrid flash hider

But again, a $400 civilian AR in the US has all those and more

 

[Baba_Yaga]

There are few minor differences but nothing that distinguishable...like AK203 has adjustable and foldable telescopic butt-stock, relatively weighs less due to use of polymers, Picatiny rails on its upper & lower receiver, better ergo pistol grip, fire selector has additional tab for trigger finger, ambidextrous controls, receiver cover is hinged on rear sight block and it has a Birdcage Type hybrid flash hider

But again, a $400 civilian AR in the US has all those and more

How much are we paying for the 750,000 rifles? Almost all news articles have no mention of the cost.