Particle.news
Download on the App Store

IWI Sets Early 2026 Start for 40,000 LMG Deliveries to India, Targets 40% of Carbine Tender

IWI is expanding India-focused production through PLR Systems to anchor new small-arms programmes.

Overview

  • IWI says the LMG contract signed last year has cleared tests and licensing, with the first batch planned for early 2026 under a five-year delivery schedule the company says could accelerate.
  • For the CQB carbine procurement, IWI says Bharat Forge is the primary supplier for 60% and PLR/IWI expects 40%—about 170,000 units—with pre-signing underway and finalisation anticipated by late 2025 or early 2026.
  • The company says it is in initial talks with Indian agencies on adopting its Arbel computerized weapon system, proposing co-production split between Israel and India with PLR handling local manufacture.
  • IWI reports ongoing collaboration with India’s Ministry of Home Affairs to supply pistols, rifles and LMGs across multiple smaller contracts built over several years.
  • Company leaders frame the India push as part of a broader supply-chain strategy after some European export restrictions, noting potential annual volumes in the tens of thousands of weapons.