Blurb: Adani Defence and Aerospace has delivered the first batch of 2,000 Prahar Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone under the Make in India programme.
Gwalior
The 7.62 mm calibre Prahar Light Machine Guns have been manufactured at the company’s Small Arms Complex located on the outskirts of Gwalior.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashish Rajvanshi, Chief Executive Officer of Adani Defence and Aerospace, described the delivery as a landmark achievement in the country’s defence production journey.
Rajvanshi stated that the company has been contracted to deliver a total of 41,000 LMGs over a period of seven years. However, he expressed confidence that, given the current pace of production, the entire order could be completed in less than three years. He further noted that the company aims to manufacture 1,000 LMGs every month, a rate he described as unprecedented in the sector.
The event was attended by senior officials, including A. Anbarasu, Director General (Acquisition) at the Ministry of Defence. Anbarasu flagged off a convoy of trucks carrying the first batch of the weapons destined for the Indian Army, symbolising the beginning of large-scale deliveries.
Highlighting the importance of technological collaboration, Rajvanshi said that acquiring base technology from global partners played a crucial role in achieving this milestone. He added that the company’s journey began in 2020 with a vision aligned to the goal of Aatmanirbharta, or self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Over the past six years, the company has transitioned from being a component manufacturer to a full-scale original equipment manufacturer of firearms. Rajvanshi credited this transformation to sustained efforts by the team and consistent policy support from the government.
The successful delivery of the Prahar LMGs is expected to strengthen the operational capabilities of the armed forces while reinforcing India’s position as an emerging hub for advanced defence manufacturing.