In a significant move to enhance the operational capabilities of its infantry, the Indian government has finalised a major defence contract worth ₹4,666 crore with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). The deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), is set to provide the Indian Army with state-of-the-art close-quarter battle carbines and light machine guns.
Details of the Strategic Defence Acquisition
The comprehensive contract, signed on March 19, 2024, involves the procurement of two critical weapon systems. The primary component is the acquisition of over 44,600 Zittara close-quarter battle carbines. These modern firearms are designed to replace the aging 9mm carbines currently in service, offering superior accuracy, reliability, and firepower for troops engaged in close-quarters combat, a frequent scenario in counter-insurgency operations.
Alongside the carbines, the deal includes the purchase of more than 16,000 Negev NG7 7.62x51mm light machine guns (LMGs). This heavy-calibre machine gun will significantly augment the sustained firepower of infantry units, providing enhanced range and stopping power compared to existing squad automatic weapons.
The contract follows a fast-track procurement (FTP) procedure initiated by the Indian Army to address critical operational gaps. The FTP route is reserved for urgent defence needs and allows for quicker acquisition compared to standard, lengthy procurement processes.
Boosting Domestic Defence Manufacturing
A pivotal aspect of this agreement is its strong emphasis on boosting India's domestic defence industrial base. The contract is structured as a Buy and Make (Indian) deal. This means that while a portion of the weapons will be supplied directly by IWI from Israel, a significant share will be manufactured in India through a strategic partnership.
The Indian partner for this ambitious manufacturing endeavour is Punj Llyod Machine Works Limited, a subsidiary of the renowned Punj Llyod Group. This collaboration will facilitate the transfer of advanced technology and manufacturing expertise from IWI to the Indian industry. The local production is expected to create high-skilled jobs, develop indigenous capabilities in small arms manufacturing, and ensure long-term maintenance and support for the weapon systems within the country.
This initiative aligns perfectly with the Indian government's flagship 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) campaigns, which aim to reduce dependency on imports and establish India as a global defence manufacturing hub.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
The induction of the Zittara carbines and Negev NG7 LMGs marks a crucial step in the ongoing modernisation of the Indian Army's infantry soldier, often referred to as the 'Fauji'. Equipping soldiers with modern, reliable, and effective personal weapons directly impacts their confidence and combat effectiveness, especially in challenging environments along India's borders and in internal security duties.
This deal also reinforces the robust and longstanding strategic defence partnership between India and Israel. Israel has consistently been a key supplier of cutting-edge defence technology to India, and this contract further cements that relationship. The successful execution of the technology transfer and local manufacturing will be closely watched, as it could serve as a model for future defence acquisitions.
The contract is a clear response to the evolving security challenges faced by the nation. By systematically upgrading the infantry's core weaponry, India is ensuring its armed forces remain prepared, agile, and equipped to defend national security interests with contemporary tools of warfare.
