IDF to Receive IWI Negev 7 & UX Series Machine Guns
The Israel Ministry of Defense has signed a $20 million agreement with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) to supply 7.62mm Negev 7 and UX series machine guns to the IDF Ground Forces. The deal, facilitated by the Defense Procurement Directorate, includes a comprehensive maintenance package to ensure long-term operational readiness. Deliveries are scheduled for 2026-2027. The Negev UX, developed in conjunction with the Israeli Defense Forces ( IDF), is said to enhance firepower, mobility, and effectiveness in complex combat environments.
IWI @ TFB:
- Pro-2 Customs’ Unreal IWI Carmel Rifle - Cel Shading / Animé
- IWI Goes Large Frame With The New Zion-25
- Israel Ministry of Defense Orders More IWI X95 Micro Tavors for IDF
The Negev UX features a Picatinny rail for mounting optics and accessories, a telescopic buttstock, and an M-LOK rail system. It offers both semi-automatic and full-automatic firing modes, with a two-position gas regulator ensuring dependable operation in harsh conditions.
The news release reads as follows:
“Israel MOD to Procure Advanced Negev Machine Guns for Ground Forces in Approximately $20M Deal
The Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) at the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), through the Deputy Ground Forces Procurement Unit, has signed an agreement with Israel Weapon Industries ( IWI Int'l) to supply advanced machine guns in 7.62 mm caliber from the Negev 7 and UX series.
The deal, valued at approximately $20 million (NIS 67 million), is expected to significantly enhance the IDF ground forces' firepower capabilities.
Under the agreement, IWI will also provide a comprehensive maintenance package to ensure high operational readiness for infantry forces over an extended period. The machine guns will be delivered to the IDF Ground Forces from 2026 to 2027.
The Negev UX machine gun, developed in collaboration with the IDF, has proven itself a significant force multiplier in ground maneuvering during the current war. The weapon combines lightweight design, mobility, and high firepower, enabling maneuvering forces to operate effectively in complex combat environments, built-up areas, and varying ranges.
The agreement marks another step in IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram's policy of expanding Israel's defense production base to support the IDF's current operational requirements and strengthen its readiness for the coming decade.”
Feel free to comment, but please remember that TFB has a “Firearms Not Politics” policy. For more information, check TFB at 18: What Does “Firearms Not Politics” Mean in 2025?
Source: Israel Ministry of Defense. Photo Credit: IWI
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
More by Eric B
Comments
Join the conversation
After carrying an M60 for a few years in Vietnam and ORARNG, I know some about LMG's. The Israeli ones seem to be about the best in the world after reading about quite a lot of other countries LMG's. I would love to shoot one at distance. I could hit beer cans at 100 yards with the M60 and was very accurate to 800 yards. Retired Army
Why can Israel turn out weapons on a dime while we- the USA - seem to go through all sorts of hit and miss but above all very long processes when procuring new weapons Of we're going to be fighting the PRC as is inevitable we better start doing things differently