ByANNA AHRONHEIM

JUNE 15, 2026 09:10

The Indian Army has chosen Meprolight MEPRO X6 telescopic sight as the standard daytime optic for its Negev light machine guns after completing a multi-year assessment to strengthen long-range performance for frontline troops.

This choice represents a major success for Israel-based Meprolight, a veteran provider of electro-optical solutions to armed forces around the globe.

Meprolight Ltd., part of the SK Group, introduced the Mepro 6x day scope in 2018. The optic will equip at least 10,000 Negev LMGs scheduled for handover to the Indian Army over the next year.

In March the first 2,000 LMGs arrived under a larger 41,000-unit contract signed in August 2024, with another 4,000 units set for delivery later this year.

The Negev 7, an updated version of IWI proven light machine gun series, is manufactured in India under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat programs.

Golan Kalimi, senior vice president at Meprolight, stated to Defense and Tech by The Jerusalem Post that this marks the first occasion any military has ordered optics for submachine guns in such volume as an integrated weapon system.

The decision came after thorough user trials and environmental tests that evaluated the fixed 6x magnification sight for durability, precision, and user-friendliness in tough conditions.

Kalimi noted that accuracy proved the greatest challenge during testing: Hitting a target at 800 meters is extremely difficult. While other evaluations were demanding, they were familiar. Striking a target nearly a kilometer away with a light submachine gun is a different matter and very hard.

Meprolight produces electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision gear, self-illuminated sights, and laser range finders for military, law enforcement, and civilian uses.

The Indian Army required an advanced optic to increase engagement distances and improve target identification. The MEPRO X6, built for assault rifles and light machine guns, provides a broad field of view, rugged build, and clear optics for harsh settings.

The Mepro 6x is a compact lightweight 6x telescopic day sight effective up to 1000 meters. It features improved optics and runs on a single standard battery with extended runtime options.

Kalimi explained that the IDF does not use similar optics because it does not mount magnifying sights on its LMGs. He added that these sights were custom developed for the Indian Army.

The sights will reach the force via Bharat Electronics Limited, which won the tender with a solution based on the MEPRO X6. To satisfy localization rules, Meprolight signed a technology transfer agreement with RRP Defense.

Under this deal RRP Defense will produce the sights locally and deliver them to BEL, the main contractor.

The future of military capability depends not only on platforms and weapons but also on the quality of information available to the soldier at the moment of decision, he said.

The selection of the MEPRO X6 by the Indian Army is a major milestone. Through our technology transfer partnership we are proud to deliver advanced capability and support the long-term growth of India defense and manufacturing sector, he added.

Local production under Make in India

The partnership supports India Make in India drive to boost domestic defense production and lessen dependence on overseas suppliers.

India-Israel defense ties have expanded steadily since the 1990s, moving from a quiet supplier-client link to a strategic partnership covering missiles, missile defense, unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic warfare, and small arms production.

Meprolight belongs to Israel SK Group, a defense and industrial conglomerate that includes Israel Weapon Industries, Camero-Tech, Israel Shipyards, and other firms focused on precision military systems.

The company products, from magnified optics and red-dot sights to thermal and night-vision systems, are employed by the IDF and security forces in more than 60 countries.