MEPRO X6 Telescopic Sight

Why in News?

The Indian Army selected the MEPRO X6 telescopic sight as the standard daytime optical sight for its in-service NEGEV light machine guns (LMGs) on 15 June 2026. The programme will support indigenous manufacturing under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement between Meprolight and RRP Defense, with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) serving as the prime contractor.

MEPRO X6 Telescopic Sight

The MEPRO X6 is a compact 6x magnification telescopic day sight designed for machine guns and assault rifles.

Key Features

• Magnification: 6x
• Effective range: Up to 1,000 metres
• Designed for rapid target acquisition and precision engagement.
• Improves accuracy during medium and long-range operations.
• Suitable for infantry and support weapons.

What is a Telescopic Sight?

A telescopic sight is an optical aiming device mounted on firearms to provide:

• Enhanced target identification.
• Greater engagement accuracy.
• Improved effectiveness at longer ranges compared to traditional iron sights.

NEGEV Light Machine Gun Family

The NEGEV is a family of light machine guns developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).

NEGEV 7

The variant currently being inducted by the Indian Army is the NEGEV 7, chambered for:

7.62 × 51 mm NATO ammunition

Key Characteristics

The weapon provides:

• High reliability.
• Greater lethality.
• Improved range and stopping power compared to older LMG platforms.

Indigenous Manufacturing Framework

The MEPRO X6 programme is being implemented under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Industrial Structure

Transfer of Technology (ToT)

Meprolight signed a ToT agreement with RRP Defense to manufacture MEPRO X6 sights in India.

Significance of ToT

• Enables domestic production.
• Reduces import dependence.
• Builds indigenous defence capabilities.
• Facilitates technology absorption by Indian industry.

Production Background

PLR Systems

The NEGEV LMG is being produced in India by PLR Systems, a joint venture between:

• Israel Weapon Industries (IWI)
• Adani Defence & Aerospace

Recent Deliveries

• First batch of 2,000 NEGEV 7 LMGs delivered in April 2026.
• Total procurement contract covers 41,000 units for the Indian Army.

The induction is part of the Army’s modernization programme aimed at enhancing infantry combat capability.

Defence Modernisation and Self-Reliance

The MEPRO X6 selection reflects India’s broader push towards:

Make in India in Defence

• Indigenous manufacturing.
• Technology transfer.
• Local assembly of advanced military systems.

Atmanirbhar Bharat

The programme supports:

• Domestic defence production.
• Reduced dependence on foreign imports.
• Development of a robust defence industrial ecosystem.

Related Organisations

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

• Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking.
• Functions under the Ministry of Defence.
• Major producer of defence electronics, radars, communication systems, and weapon sights.

Meprolight

• Israeli manufacturer of electro-optical and optical weapon systems.
• Part of the SK Group.

RRP Defense

• Indian defence manufacturing company involved in optics, weapon systems, and military technologies.