New Delhi: India test fired an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled Light Machine Gun (LMG) at an altitude of 14,000 feet on Monday. The autonomous system is capable of identifying targets and engaging them without human intervention.
The system has been developed by Dehradun-based defence firm BSS Material Ltd, and was fitted to an Israel-origin Negev LMG. The test firing was conducted in the presence of senior Indian Army officers.
“The advanced weapon system demonstrated its ability to autonomously identify and engage targets in challenging mountain environments. This will provide a crucial advantage for operations along India’s rugged border regions. The trials, focused on functionality and accuracy, are part of a broader push to modernise the armed forces through indigenous innovations under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives,” an official said.
According to BSS Material Ltd, the AI-integrated system maintained stable target acquisition, adaptive fire control, and semi-autonomous surveillance throughout the trials. Engineers said the weapon’s core lies in a sophisticated multi-sensor AI module capable of automatic target detection, friend-foe classification, and real-time engagement.
The Negev LMG was developed by the Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). There are two variants known as the Negev NG-5 and Negev NG-7. Here, NG stands for Next Generation. While the NG-5 is a 5.56×45 mm weapon, the NG-7 is of 7.62×51 mm calibre.
The AI system’s key technological features include thermal and optical sensor fusion for precision targeting, ballistic compensation for wind, range, and temperature variables and encrypted remote command compatibility.
“The AI-powered Negev system is designed for deployment in high-risk or logistically challenging environments. It can be used for base defence, convoy protection, and perimeter security where constant threat levels require rapid response but troop deployment remains difficult,” the official added.
BSS engineers have highlighted the modular nature of the system. It is platform-agnostic and can be integrated with a wide range of weapon systems, from light machine guns to anti-drone solutions. Deployment options include tripods, remote weapon stations (RWS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and static installations.
The test followed Operation Sindoor, where the importance of advanced weapons systems became clear. India now aims to extend its strategic reach into remote and high-risk zones with reduced dependence on manpower.
