Adani Defence Delivers First Batch of 2,000 Prahar LMGs to Indian Army Ahead of Schedule
In a major boost to India's defence capabilities, Adani Defence & Aerospace has successfully delivered the first batch of 2,000 'Prahar' light machine guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army, completing the delivery a remarkable seven months ahead of the contracted schedule. This milestone underscores the rapid progress in indigenous defence manufacturing under the government's 'Make in India' initiative.
Accelerated Delivery and Manufacturing Excellence
The delivery was flagged off from the company's state-of-the-art small arms complex located on the outskirts of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. According to company officials, the total order for these advanced LMGs stands at approximately 40,000 units, with this initial batch setting a precedent for timely execution.
Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence & Aerospace, highlighted the significance of this achievement during the ceremony. "The journey that began today took us six years, starting from bid submission, and we have delivered the first batch 11 months ahead of schedule," he stated. "The original timeline provided by the customer was over seven years, but I can assure you that the full order will be delivered within the next three years."
Technical Specifications and Rigorous Testing
The 'Prahar' LMG is a 7.62 mm-calibre weapon designed to enhance the Indian Army's firepower. Key specifications include:
- Weight: 8 kg
- Length: 1,100 mm
- Effective Range: Up to 1,000 meters
- Rate of Fire: 600–750 rounds per minute
Each weapon has undergone extensive lifecycle testing, ballistic assessments, and environmental trials to ensure it meets the stringent operational and reliability standards required by the Indian armed forces. This rigorous validation process guarantees that the LMGs are battle-ready and dependable in diverse combat scenarios.
Government Support and Strategic Importance
The flagging-off ceremony was attended by A Anbarasu, Director General of Acquisition at the Ministry of Defence, who commended Adani Defence for its efficiency. "Delivering ahead of schedule saves several months and demonstrates the ability to 'race and fire' against time in turning contracts into deliveries," he remarked.
Anbarasu emphasized the government's commitment to partnering with the defence industry, noting that "scale" and "speed" are the twin pillars guiding defence acquisition processes. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and private sector in achieving 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in defence, a critical goal for national security.
Operational Deployment and Broader Impact
The Indian Army plans to deploy these LMGs, including the 'Prahar' and other models like the Negev NG-7, to strengthen firepower along the Line of Control (LoC) and the international border with Pakistan. These weapons provide high-volume, long-range fire up to 1,000 meters, essential for securing bunkers, delivering defensive fire, and countering infiltration attempts.
The Gwalior facility, designed for large-scale production, has an annual capacity of up to 100,000 weapons, with over 90% of components sourced domestically. This not only boosts India's defence manufacturing but also contributes to the local economy by generating skilled employment and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the supply chain.
Future Expansion and Indigenous Capabilities
Beyond LMGs, the Gwalior unit is equipped to manufacture close quarter battle (CQB) weapons for the armed forces, further expanding India's indigenous small arms capabilities. This manufacturing prowess is complemented by Adani Defence's ammunition complex in Kanpur, commissioned in 2024, which supports a holistic approach to defence production.
This delivery marks a significant step forward in India's journey towards self-reliance in defence, showcasing how private sector innovation and government support can accelerate the modernization of the armed forces while fostering industrial growth and national security.
