New Delhi, 15 June 2026 — The Indian Army has selected Meprolight’s MEPRO X6 fixed 6x magnification telescopic day sight as the dedicated daytime optic for its in-service NEGEV 7.62mm light machine guns. The decision follows a comprehensive multi-year tender process involving extensive operational evaluations and environmental testing.
The MEPRO X6 was developed specifically to meet the Indian Army’s requirements and optimised for the NEGEV platform, featuring a tailored reticle and ranging scale. It provides enhanced target identification, acquisition, and engagement capabilities at extended ranges while maintaining a compact, lightweight profile suitable for modern infantry operations.
Technical Features of the MEPRO X6
The MEPRO X6 is a fixed 6x magnification telescopic day sight designed for assault rifles, light machine guns, and other precision weapon systems. Key characteristics 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 attributes enable machine gunners to achieve quicker target detection and more accurate engagement, transforming battlefield awareness into a decisive operational advantage.
Context of NEGEV Induction
The NEGEV NG-7 (7.62×51mm) light machine guns, originally developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), are being inducted in substantial numbers to strengthen infantry firepower and replace or supplement legacy systems. The Indian Army has contracted for approximately 41,000 units, with significant production now underway in India through local partners, achieving over 50% indigenous content in recent batches.
The addition of a dedicated high-performance daytime sight directly addresses the requirement for improved precision and effectiveness at longer ranges in diverse operational environments.
Indigenous Production and Make in India
In alignment with the Make in India initiative, the programme prioritises local manufacturing. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) secured the tender and will serve as the prime contractor responsible for supply to the Indian Army. Meprolight has signed a comprehensive Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with RRP Defense, enabling full production of the MEPRO X6 in India. RRP Defense will manufacture the sights at its facility in Mumbai and supply them to BEL.
This arrangement facilitates technology absorption, expands domestic capabilities in advanced soldier-system optics, and ensures long-term sustainment and support for the Indian Army.
Procurement Scale and Timeline
The initial procurement covers more than 10,000 MEPRO X6 units, with deliveries scheduled throughout 2026 and 2027. Given that the associated NEGEV gun order is substantially larger, there is clear potential for programme expansion through follow-on requirements as induction progresses.
Strategic Significance
This induction represents a significant enhancement to the lethality and operational readiness of Indian Army infantry units. By equipping NEGEV machine guns with a purpose-built, combat-proven daytime optic, the Army gains improved accuracy, target discrimination, and engagement flexibility at extended ranges.
Golan Kalimi, Senior Vice President at Meprolight, stated: “The selection of the MEPRO X6 by the Indian Army is a significant milestone, and through our technology transfer partnership, we are proud to contribute not only advanced capability but also to the long-term growth of India’s defence and manufacturing ecosystem.”
The collaboration between Meprolight (part of Israel’s SK Group and sister company to IWI) and Indian entities underscores deepening bilateral defence ties while advancing India’s self-reliance goals in critical defence technologies. The programme is expected to deliver high-quality systems with sustained operational readiness for years to come.
