Indian Army to Enhance NEGEV Machine Guns with MEPRO X6 Optics
New Delhi, 15 June 2026 — The Indian Army has finalized its choice for the daytime optic of its NEGEV 7.62mm light machine guns, selecting Meprolight's MEPRO X6 fixed 6x magnification telescopic day sight. This decision comes after an extensive multi-year tender process that involved thorough operational and environmental testing.
Developed specifically to fulfill the Indian Army's requirements, the MEPRO X6 is optimized for use with the NEGEV platform. It features a customized reticle and ranging scale designed to enhance target identification, acquisition, and engagement at extended distances. Despite these capabilities, the sight remains compact and lightweight, making it suitable for modern infantry operations.
Technical Features of the MEPRO X6
The MEPRO X6 is a telescopic day sight with fixed 6x magnification, intended for use with assault rifles, light machine guns, and other precision weapon systems. Its principal features include:
| Quick-release Picatinny adaptor for rapid mounting and dismounting. |
| High-quality optics delivering a wide field of view and safe eye relief. |
| Multiple brightness settings for the illuminated reticle to support varied tactical conditions. |
| Energy-efficient operation on a single battery with auto-shutdown after one hour. |
| Robust MIL-STD construction ensuring reliability in demanding environmental and combat conditions. |
These features allow machine gunners to detect targets more quickly and engage with greater accuracy, providing a significant operational advantage on the battlefield.
Context of NEGEV Induction
The NEGEV NG-7 (7.62×51mm) light machine guns, created by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), are being introduced in large numbers to enhance the firepower of infantry units and to replace or augment existing systems. The Indian Army has procured approximately 41,000 units, with production increasingly happening in India through local partnerships, achieving more than 50% indigenous content in recent production batches.
The integration of a high-performance daytime sight meets the need for improved precision and effectiveness at longer ranges across diverse operational settings.
Indigenous Production and Make in India
Aligned with the Make in India initiative, the program emphasizes local production. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has won the tender and will act as the primary contractor supplying the Indian Army. Meprolight has signed a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with RRP Defense, which will allow for full production of the MEPRO X6 in India. RRP Defense plans to manufacture the sights at their Mumbai facility and deliver them to BEL.
This partnership facilitates technology absorption, enhances domestic capabilities in advanced soldier-system optics, and ensures long-term support and sustainability for the Indian Army.
Procurement Scale and Timeline
The initial procurement involves over 10,000 MEPRO X6 units, with deliveries expected to continue through 2026 and 2027. With the NEGEV gun order being significantly larger, there is potential for the program to expand with additional requirements as induction continues.
Strategic Significance
This addition marks a major boost to the lethality and operational readiness of Indian Army infantry units. By equipping NEGEV machine guns with a purpose-built, combat-tested daytime optic, the Army enhances its accuracy, target discrimination, and engagement flexibility at extended distances.
Golan Kalimi, Senior Vice President at Meprolight, commented on the selection of the MEPRO X6 by the Indian Army as a key milestone, emphasizing that through their technology transfer partnership, they are contributing not only advanced capabilities but also to the long-term development of India's defense manufacturing sector.
The collaboration between Meprolight and Indian partners highlights the strengthening of bilateral defense relations while promoting India's self-sufficiency in critical defense technologies. The program is expected to provide high-quality systems with sustained operational effectiveness for the future.
