India's First Indigenous Medium Machine Gun Developed by Hyderabad's Lokesh Machines
Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machines Ltd has reached a notable achievement by developing India's first indigenous 7.62x51mm belt-fed medium machine gun (MMG) in partnership with the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune.
Building on the success of its ASMI 9x19mm submachine gun, the new MMG from Lokesh Machines Ltd is capable of both single-shot and automatic firing modes. It is compatible with both Indian and NATO standard ammunition and has an effective range of 1,800 meters. The gun can fire 800 rounds per minute and has a belt capacity of 250 rounds, with the option to link additional belts for extended combat operations.
The machine gun is designed for versatility, able to be mounted on ground vehicles, naval vessels, and aircraft, and it operates under extreme conditions ranging from -40°C to +55°C. After comprehensive testing, the Indian Army has placed an order worth ₹17.7 crore for precision components, aiming to upgrade its existing MMGs with Lokesh’s lighter and more reliable subassemblies.
M. Srinivas, a director at the company, stated that the new MMG is approximately 25% lighter than current models. It features a single-piece machined receiver, a chromium-plated barrel for improved durability, a quick-change barrel system, and a three-position gas regulator for greater efficiency.
This order signifies another triumph for the CNC machine manufacturer as it broadens its presence in India's defence manufacturing industry.
