Indian Army Adopts MEPRO X6 Telescopic Sight for NEGEV Machine Guns, Enhancing Indigenous Defence Production

Key Facts

• On 15 June 2026, the Indian Army chose the MEPRO X6 telescopic sight as the dedicated daytime optic for NEGEV machine guns.
• The MEPRO X6 is a compact fixed 6x magnification daytime sight with an effective range of up to 1,000 metres.
• The indigenous manufacturing of the MEPRO X6 in India is conducted under a comprehensive Transfer of Technology agreement between Meprolight and RRP Defence.
• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) serves as the prime contractor responsible for supplying the sights to the Indian Army.
• The NEGEV 7.62×51 mm light machine guns are produced in India by PLR Systems, a joint venture between Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) and the Adani Group, under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat frameworks.
• The first batch of 2,000 NEGEV 7.62×51 LMGs was delivered in April 2026; the full contract covers 41,000 units.

Background & Context

The NEGEV is a family of light machine guns developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). The NEGEV 7.62×51 mm variant is a modernized weapon widely procured by the Indian Army as part of a major effort to modernize infantry weapons under Make in India initiatives.

The Indian Army required an advanced daytime optical sight to enhance target identification and engagement at longer ranges for the NEGEV machine gun. Following comprehensive multi-year trials evaluating reliability, durability, accuracy, and ease of operation under demanding environmental conditions, the MEPRO X6 was selected.

Meprolight, an Israeli member of the SK Group, signed a Transfer of Technology agreement with RRP S4E Innovation Pvt. Ltd. to establish local indigenous manufacturing of MEPRO X6 sights. RRP Defence supplies these sights to Bharat Electronics Limited, the program’s prime contractor, which delivers them to the Indian Army.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This program exemplifies India’s strategic push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reduction of import dependency by leveraging technology transfers and domestic production under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. It also illustrates collaboration between foreign defence companies and Indian industry partners to modernize military capabilities.

Understanding this case study helps grasp the significance of Transfer of Technology agreements, government procurement processes, and the modernization of infantry weapons systems in the context of India’s national security and industrial policy frameworks.

Points to Remember

• Date of Indian Army selection of MEPRO X6: 15 June 2026.
• MEPRO X6 features: fixed 6x magnification, daytime-only telescopic sight, 1,000-metre effective range, rugged and reliable performance.
• Manufacturing: Indigenous production in India by RRP Defence after technology transfer from Meprolight.
• Supply chain: RRP Defence supplies to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the prime contractor to the Indian Army.
• NEGEV 7.62×51 mm LMGs are produced in India by PLR Systems (a joint venture of IWI and Adani Group).
• About 41,000 NEGEV 7.62×51 machine guns ordered, with first 2,000 units delivered in April 2026.
• Meprolight is part of the SK Group, with previous Indian assembly lines producing other electro-optical sights.
• Transfer of Technology agreements facilitate local production and support Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.