New Machine Guns, Advanced Capabilities: How the IDF Prepares for Future Combat Challenges

In the modern battlefield, machine guns play a central role in maintaining continuous fire and ensuring a tactical advantage, especially in dense urban environments. In recent months, the IDF has introduced the "Negev Ultra" (ULMG), a lightweight version of the Negev machine gun, weighing only about 6.8 kg. The new machine gun was designed to meet the need for constant movement in urban areas while maintaining better control, thanks to a reduced recoil system. 

In addition to its low weight, the Negev Ultra is equipped with a quick-change barrel mechanism and extended Picatinny rails, allowing for the attachment of optics and additional accessories. Soldiers who have used the weapon report improved portability and maneuverability in tight spaces, enabling them to move through narrow alleys or between destroyed buildings without a significant slowdown in their advancement pace. 

Alongside the Negev Ultra, the IDF continues to deploy the Negev 5 (chambered in 5.56×45mm) and Negev 7 (chambered in 7.62×51mm) machine guns. The Negev 7, known as the "Queen of the Battle," has proven to be particularly effective in urban warfare due to its ability to penetrate walls and cover. 

So far, the IDF has received hundreds of Negev 7 machine guns, and according to military sources, thousands more have been ordered for use by infantry units. Soldiers appreciate the weapon for its capability to suppress enemy fire and provide effective cover during advances.

The Negev family of machine guns, manufactured by IWI (part of the SK Group, owned by businessman Sami Katsav), undergoes continuous technological upgrades. These include hydraulic systems to reduce recoil, mounting rails for tactical accessories, and ergonomic enhancements to meet modern combat requirements. 

Recently, the "Negev Arbel" was introduced, an advanced machine gun equipped with a computerized firing data system embedded in the grip. This system is designed to improve accuracy against moving targets and at varying distances, and the IDF is considering integrating the technology into additional weapons.

Ultimately, the Negev Ultra and the other Negev machine gun lineup provide comprehensive solutions for complex operational scenarios, from rear-area force protection to engaging enemies hiding in dense urban terrain. The IDF considers these machine guns a key asset for maintaining fire superiority, and field reports indicate that soldiers highly value their reliability and adaptability.