Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) added another member to their Negev Family of Light Machine Guns. They will be introducing by the end of this month the world's only 7.62mm caliber LMG Light Machine Gun with semi-automatic mode. The Negev NG7 joins the the IWI Negev LMG Standard and the IWI Negev SF which are already part of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

The Negev LMG was adopted by the IDF to replace the Galil ARM and it is a 5.56mm LMG that has been in service in the IDF since 1997. The Negev has a long stroke gas piston system and itself is an open bolt system. IDF soldiers have favoured the Negev over the FN Minimi (M249) as it's more lightweight and manoeuverable.

According to World Guns, the earlier Negev lacks the range and punch of the 7.62 FN MAG Machine Guns and thus the latter are deployed together. With the introduction of the Negev NG7, the IDF will lessen their dependence on the FN MAG and have a truly indigenous automatic support weapons for their soldiers.

Photo Above: IDF Soldiers firing the Negev 5.56mm light machine gun (Source: Wikipedia)

Just like the Negev Standard and the Negev SF, the Negev NG7 shares semi-automatic firing capability, allowing for more precise shooting or controlled firing when need be. One of its safety features is the four safety mechanisms that help minimise the chances of uncontrolled fire. All of the Negev Models have a short rail mount at the rear sight area to mount optics and can have the Mepro 21/Mor Reflex Sights. Laser designators can also be mounted and ammo loading options are drum or belt chain feeding.

So far, among the famous weapons from IWI (TAR-21, UZI, GALIL), the Negev does not have an airsoft equivalent and we have no idea when it will have its own. There are IDF fans in the airsoft community and would welcome such replica if it indeed it gets developed. It's just a matter of time that those companies which have the experience of making LMG-type airsoft replicas such as ARES Airsoft, which first released the TAR-21 airsoft version. But if they want to build one, they'll need to get the licence from Cybergun.

Video of the Negev 5.56mm version and the press release from IWI on the Negev NG7 below:

Israel Weapon Industries IWI introduces its new NG7 NEGEV Light Machine Gun 7.62mm caliber

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) – a leader in the production of combat-proven small arms for governments, armies, and law enforcement agencies around the world – launches its new Light Machine Gun (LMG) – the NEGEV NG7 – at DefExpo India 2012 (New Delhi, March 29-April 1) , Israel Pavilion, Stand 11.10-L and FIDAE International Air & Space Fair (Santiago, Chile, March 27-April 1) Israel Pavilion, Hall D, Stand 1a.

The NEGEV NG7 – the newest in the company’s NEGEV LMG family – is the only 7.62mm caliber LMG in service today with semi-automatic mode, capable of pinpoint, single bullet shooting for enhanced firing accuracy.

The NEGEV NG7 shares almost 80% of its components with its smaller brother, the NEGEV 5.56mm caliber – IWI’s exceptionally successful and reliable LMG – which is deployed in dozens of countries around the world including Israel, and has been combat-proven in several wars and in a number of battle arenas.

The NEGEV NG7 includes a semi-automatic firing mode that enables accurate fire in combat situations, including ambush, Close Quarter Battle (CQB), and when shooting via telescope – and is the only 7.62 with single bullet firing capability. In automatic mode, its rate of fire is over 700 bullets per minute. Exceptionally lightweight (weighing less than 8 kg), it can be fired from a variety of mounts, including special mounts on helicopters, land vehicles, and naval vessels.

Features include a gas regulator for additional power in harsh conditions such as mud and dirt, tritium night sights, picattiny rails for optical and other devices, and four safety mechanisms to minimize unwanted fire. The NEGEV NG7 – which delivers remarkable Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and long service life – is drum or belt-chain fed, fires from an open bolt position, and is easily dismantled for maintenance in the field.

According to Uri Amit, CEO of IWI, “The new NEGEV NG7 represents the next generation of NEGEV LMGs – providing improved ergonomics as well as increased component reliability. These advances, together with its unique characteristics, make it the most effective lightweight 7.62 available for infantries.

As with all other weapons built by IWI, it was developed together with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The close cooperation between IWI and the Israeli army in the development of new weapons – and the testing of these weapons on the battlefield by the IDF – is one of the most important factors contributing to the success of our weapons among armies around the world. The NG7 is already generating interest among our customers, and we have received many requests to test it. We are certain that it will become an important part of our product line.”

About IWI
Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), located in the center of Israel, is a world leader in small arms for the past 80 years. IWI is a member of the SK Group, which is composed of companies that develop and manufacture a wide array of military products for governmental entities, armies, and law enforcement agencies around the world. IWI’s most-known products include the TAVOR and GALIL ACE families of Assault Rifles, the NEGEV Light Machine Gun, the legendary UZI SMG (Mini, Micro and UZI PRO) and the JERICHO family of pistols – which have all been considered weapons of choice by military units and top law enforcement agencies around the world. The company’s firearms are developed in close collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). IWI and the IDF joint forces in developing these weapons, whose final configurations are the product of ongoing interaction, field tests, and modifications, resulting from combat requirements and experience. All IWI weapon systems are in compliance with the most stringent military standards (MIL-STD) and ISO 9000 standards.

For more information on IWI please visit – www.iwi.net/