Lightweight, deadly, 'Made in India': Indian Army gets ‘Prahar’ light machine guns. Why this is a force multiplier?
Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered the inaugural batch of 2,000 'Prahar' light machine guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army, significantly boosting its infantry firepower
Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered the inaugural batch of 2,000 'Prahar' light machine guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army, significantly boosting its infantry firepower
Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered the inaugural batch of 2,000 'Prahar' light machine guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army, significantly boosting its infantry firepower
Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered the inaugural batch of 2,000 'Prahar' light machine guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army, significantly boosting its infantry firepower
Indian Army's firepower just got a major shot in the arm as Adani Defence and Aerospace delivered the first batch of 2,000 'Prahar', light machine guns (LMGs).
Manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative at the defence major's Small Arms Complex located on the outskirts of Gwalior, the gun promises higher lethality and reliability.
A. Anbarasu, DG Acquisition, Ministry of Defence, flagged off a series of trucks carrying the first batch of the LMGs meant for the Indian Army in the presence of Ashish Rajvanshi, CEO of Adani Defence and Aerospace, and other senior officials of the company.
Rajvanshi said the company will deliver the total order of 40,000 LMGs in the next three years.
"The journey that has begun today took us six years, starting from bid submission, and we have delivered it 11 months ahead of schedule....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," he said while interacting with the media.
Anbarasu hailed the company for delivering the first tranche of guns ahead of the schedule and said this shows that there is the ability to "race and fire" against time in turning contracts into deliveries.
Why 'Prahar' matters?
The induction of 'Prahar' LMGs marks a significant upgrade to the Indian Army’s infantry firepower, as the guns would enhance the lethality and battlefield adaptability of the forces.
The 7.62 mm-calibre weapon that weighs 7.7 kgs is specifically designed for modern combat as it strikes a perfect balance between firepower and mobility. With a rate of fire of 600–750 rounds per minute, this LMG ensures sustained suppressive fire, critical in both offensive assaults and defensive operations.
The weapon is built for versatility, as it can be fed through an assault drum, belt chain, or magazine, allowing the Indian Army troops to adapt to different combat scenarios.
A gas regulator system enables reliable performance even in adverse conditions such as dust, heat, or high-altitude environments. This feature makes the gun an extremely good fit for the Indian Army troops that operate in different terrains in different theatres across the country.
According to the company, the gun can be quickly dismantled for maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime during operations. The adjustable buttstock and cheek rest improve ergonomics, helping soldiers maintain accuracy and comfort during prolonged engagements.