IWI Negev

IWI Negev
Negev chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO
Type	Light machine gun
Place of origin	Israel
Service history
In service	1997–present[1]
Used by	See Users
Wars	Second Intifada 2006 Lebanon War Gaza War (2008–09) War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)[2] Operation Protective Edge Russo-Ukrainian War 2023 Israel–Hamas war
Production history
Designer	Israel Military Industries
Designed	1985–1990
Manufacturer	Israel Weapon Industries made under license by Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems[3][4] Z111 Factory
Produced	1995–present
Variants	See Variants
Specifications
Mass	7.65 kg (16.9 lb) (Negev NG-5) 7.6 kg (17 lb) (Negev NG-7)
Length	1,020 mm (40 in) (stock extended) (Negev and Negev NG-5) 1,100 mm (43 in) (stock extended) (Negev NG-7)
Barrel length	460 mm (18 in) (Negev NG-5) 508 mm (20.0 in) (Negev NG-7)
Cartridge	5.56×45mm NATO (Negev and Negev NG-5) 7.62×51mm NATO (Negev NG-7)
Action	Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire	850–1050 RPM (Negev and Negev NG-5) 600–750 RPM (Negev NG-7)
Muzzle velocity	915 m/s (3,000 ft/s) (Negev and Negev NG-5) 860 m/s (2,800 ft/s) (Negev NG-7)
Effective firing range	300–1,000 m sight adjustments
Maximum firing range	1,200 m (1,300 yd)
Feed system	150-, 200-round disintegrating M27 ammunition belt, 35-round box magazine or STANAG NATO magazines (Negev and Negev NG-5) 100- and 125-round disintegrating M13 NATO ammunition belts (Negev NG-7)
Sights	Aperture with elevation drum, adjustable front post, folding tritium night sights, and a Picatinny rail for various optical sights.

The IWI Negev (also known as the Negev NG-5) is a 5.56×45mm NATO light machine gun developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), formerly Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI).

In 2012, IWI introduced the Negev NG-7, which is chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO. The NG stands for Next Generation. Both variants of the Negev are in service with the Israel Defense Forces.