- 2,000 indigenously built 7.62 mm LMGs delivered; first private-sector large-scale success in India’s small arms manufacturing
- Gwalior mega facility powers 90% domestic content, 100,000 annual capacity; boosts MSMEs and jobs
- Flag-off marks rapid execution—delivery 11 months early, full order of ~40,000 on track
Integrated ecosystem with Kanpur ammunition complex strengthens India’s defence self-reliance
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
NEW DELHI/GWALIOR, MAR 28
In a defining push to India’s defence indigenisation drive, Adani Defence & Aerospace has delivered the first batch of 2,000 indigenously manufactured ‘Prahar’ 7.62 mm Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army—a milestone that positions the company as the first private-sector player in India to manufacture and supply LMGs at scale.
The delivery, completed in just seven months—11 months ahead of schedule—followed a fast-tracked development cycle where the First-of-Production Model (FOPM) was realised in six months against an 18-month timeline, and Bulk Production Clearance (BPC) enabled swift scale-up.
“We delivered 11 months ahead of schedule”
Speaking after the flag-off, CEO Ashish Rajvanshi said, “The journey that has begun today took us six years, starting from bid submission, and we have delivered it 11 months ahead of schedule.”
He added, “The original timeline, which was given to us by the customer, was over seven years, but I can assure you that in the next three years, the full order will be delivered.”
A company spokesperson confirmed that the total order stands at around 40,000 LMGs, underlining the scale of the programme.
“Ability to race against time”
- Anbarasu, DG Acquisition & Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, lauded the early delivery, stating, “It shows there is the ability to ‘race and fire’ against time in turning contracts into deliveries.”
He added, “The government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the defence industry partners.”
Built in Gwalior, Powered by Indian Industry
Manufactured at the state-of-the-art small arms facility in Gwalior, the Prahar LMG underscores India’s growing capability in indigenous defence production. Spread across 100 acres, the integrated hub features advanced CNC machining, robotics, metallurgy labs and a 25-metre underground firing range.
Each weapon undergoes rigorous lifecycle testing, ballistic evaluation and environmental trials to meet the stringent operational standards of the Armed Forces.
With over 90% domestic content and an annual capacity of up to 100,000 weapons, the facility is also catalysing a broader industrial ecosystem by supporting MSMEs and generating skilled employment in Madhya Pradesh.
Integrated Firepower Ecosystem
The programme is further strengthened by Adani Defence’s ammunition complex in Kanpur, commissioned in 2024, with an annual capacity of nearly 300 million rounds of small-calibre ammunition. Plans are underway to expand into medium and large-calibre segments.
Looking ahead, the Gwalior unit is gearing up to produce close quarter battle (CQB) weapons, reinforcing India’s long-term small arms self-reliance.
Prahar LMG (7.62×51 mm): Key Highlights
- Accurate, robust and reliable light machine gun
- Open bolt firing, gas piston system, rotating bolt locking
- Safe, semi-automatic and automatic firing modes
- Gas regulator for adverse conditions
- 120-round assault drum or belt-fed system
- Durable bipod, quick field dismantling
- Adjustable buttstock and cheek rest
- Backup iron sights and enhanced safety mechanisms
Specifications:
- Calibre: 7.62×51 mm
- Barrel Length: 508 mm (20″)
- Total Length: 1,100 mm
- Weight: 8 kg
- Effective Range: 1,000 m
