First batch of LMGs delivered; over 50% Made in India, says IWI CEO Shuki Schwartz

Can you share the timeline for the execution of the contract to supply 41,000 Prahar or Negev 7.62X51 mm light machine guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army?

We supplied the first lot of 2,000 units on Saturday. It’s a significant effort that has reached a successful stage. The programme is for 41,000 units which is planned over five years though we believe we can do it quicker. We aim to deliver an additional 4,000 units this year and continue supplying similar quantities in the coming years. We are building PLRS (PLR System Pvt Ltd which is a JV between IWI and Adani Defence & Aerospace) capacities to meet even larger quantities for market needs.

When you say technology transfer, is it 100 per cent or less than that?

This Make In India initiative is based on co-production by OEM (original equipment manufacturer which is IWI) and the Indian entity (Adani). PLR, our subsidiary in India, is producing major parts of the LMG, including barrels, along with all the assembly and the testing, and the surface treatment that we have developed in India. It’s more than 50 per cent that is produced in India.

What technology are you holding back and not transferring?

There are some parts that are produced in Israel and the rest are produced in India…. I will not enter into details.

Are you also supplying ammunition for the LMG?

Yes, PLR System is in the process of supplying 7.62X51 ammunition for the LMGs.

PLR System, apart from Bharat Forge, has also got a part contract for supply of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines to the armed forces?

We signed the contract towards the end of 2025 and we will supply the first lot of CQBs within a year. The contract is for supplying 1800 rifles in 12 months after getting advanced payment. Despite the fact that the deadline is very intensive, we will meet it. And afterwards, the quantities will go up for the second year, third year and fourth year in which we will supply a maximum of 58,000.

Will there be a technology transfer for manufacturing CQB carbines in India?

We are supporting PLR and to transfer the technology of producing different parts. An assault rifle is simpler than an LMG. The ToT is more than 60 per cent. PLR is producing most of the rifles, except for some parts imported from Israel.

Can you let us know the status of your snipper programme?

We have participated in a bid to supply 4,500 sniper rifles with ammunition to the Indian Army. We have a good 338 sniper rifle. We have passed part of the tests and the remaining should be done in two or three months’ time. There is a winter trial and a summer trial as part of the acquisition process. We are sending our people to do the trials together with our Indian team. And, I hope that within a few months, we can have this contract too.