Israel to purchase Negev machine guns worth $18 million

Israel will purchase new-generation Negev machine guns for its Ground Forces worth US$18.1 million.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense reported this in its official Telegram channel.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) to supply the latest Negev 7 and Negev UX 7.62mm machine guns to the IDF Ground Forces.

Deliveries are scheduled for 2026–2027.

In addition to the machine guns themselves, IWI will also provide full maintenance support to ensure high combat readiness of units over a long period of time.

The Negev UX was developed in close cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces and distinguished itself in combat during Operation Iron Swords. The weapon combines lightweight design, high mobility, and powerful fire density, allowing it to operate effectively in challenging environments, including urban areas and at short to medium ranges.

This order is part of a broader strategy by retired General Amir Baram, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, which aims to expand domestic defense production to meet the current needs of the IDF and ensure combat readiness for the next decade.

It should be noted that despite the active development of its own arms production, Israel also relies on imported products, in particular SIG Sauer M250 machine guns.

These machine guns, developed for the US Army together with the promising new .277 SIG FURY cartridge were delivered to the IDF in a version chambered for the traditional 7.62×51 mm caliber.

The contract to supply machine guns to Israel was actually the first foreign sale of this system. The exact number of units ordered is unknown, so this may be only a trial batch of several dozen units.