Context:
Adani Defence and Aerospace delivered the first batch of 2,000 ‘Prahar’ Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to the Indian Army, strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing.
Key Highlights:
- Defence Production Initiative
- Developed under ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Manufactured at Gwalior Small Arms Complex.
- Technical Specifications
- Calibre: 7.62 mm
- Range: 1,000 metres
- Weight: 8 kg
- Barrel length: 508 mm
- Manufacturing Capacity
- Facility capacity: 1,00,000 weapons annually.
- Over 90% domestic sourcing achieved.
- Operational Significance
- Enhances firepower of infantry units.
- Crucial for border security and combat readiness.
- Key Concepts
- Light Machine Gun (LMG): Provides sustained automatic fire support.
- Domestic Sourcing: Reduces import dependency, boosts local industry.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- 7.62 mm calibre weapons are standard for medium-range infantry operations.
- ‘Make in India’ promotes indigenization in defence manufacturing.
- LMGs are used for suppressive fire in combat operations.
- Defence corridors (like in MP/UP) aim to boost defence production ecosystem.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Defence Indigenisation
- Reduces dependence on imports and enhances strategic autonomy.
- Builds domestic industrial capability and employment.
- Internal Security & Border Management
- Modern weapons improve combat effectiveness of armed forces.
- Essential for tackling conventional and asymmetric threats.
- Economic Dimension
- Boosts defence exports and manufacturing ecosystem.
- Encourages private sector participation in defence.
- Technological Advancement
- Promotes innovation and R&D in defence sector.
- Way Forward
- Increase R&D investment in defence technology.
- Strengthen public-private partnerships.
- Expand export markets for indigenous weapons.
- Ensure quality standards and global competitiveness.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3 – Defence technology, internal security
• Prelims – Defence systems, Make in India