New Delhi: The Indian Army on Saturday received first batch of 2,000 ‘Prahar’, light machine guns (LMGs), manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The 7.62 mm-calibre LMGs were handed over to the Army at a ceremony held at Adani Defence’s Small Arms Complex located on the outskirts of Gwalior. The event was attended by A Anbarasu, DG Acquisition, Ministry of Defence, Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace, and other senior officials of the private firm, according to a PTI report.
Delivery made 11 months ahead of schedule
“The journey that has begun today took us six years, starting from bid submission, and we have delivered it 11 months ahead of schedule,” said Rajvanshi. He added that the full order will be delivered within the next three years. The total order for the LMGs stands at around 40,000.
Anbarasu, who flagged off trucks carrying the first batch of the LMGs, said the government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the defence industry partners.
Designed to enhance infantry firepower
Designed to enhance infantry firepower, Prahar LMG operates from an open bolt mechanism and features a rotating bolt with gas impact on the piston head. At 7.6 kg without a magazine, it is also lighter than comparable systems. The overall length stands at 1,000 mm — barrel at 508 mm — it can be reduced to 820 mm.