IWI Negev
Israel Weapon Industries · Machine Gun · In Production · 1997
Also known as: Negev, Negev NG5, Negev SF
Overview
The IWI Negev is an Israeli 5.56x45mm NATO gas-operated, open-bolt machine gun designed by Israel Military Industries and now produced by Israel Weapon Industries. Adopted by the Israel Defense Forces in 1997, it is a lightweight squad automatic weapon that feeds from a 200-round disintegrating-link belt, a soft assault pouch, or 30-round STANAG box magazines via an adapter. It uses a quick-change barrel, an adjustable gas regulator for selectable rate of fire, and a folding bipod and stock, making it well suited to both sustained suppressive fire and mobile assault roles.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 7400 g (261.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1020 mm (40.16") |
| Barrel Length | 460 mm (18.11") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 200 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 915 m/s (3002 fps) |
| Effective Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 850 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington, SS109, M855
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Disintegrating Link Belt, Soft Assault Pouch, Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Rotating Bolt, Gas Regulator, Quick Change Barrel, Folding Bipod, Folding Stock, Dual Feed, Picatinny Rail
Variants
- IWI Negev NG5 — Improved
- IWI Negev Commando — Carbine
- IWI Negev NG7 — Caliber Conversion
Service history
Operators
- Israel Defense Forces · adopted 1997 · as Negev
- Indian Armed Forces
- Estonian Defence Forces
- Colombian National Army
- Armed Forces of Ukraine
Conflicts
- South Lebanon conflict (1985-2000)
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2014-present)
Production
Production years: 1995-present
Production began circa 1995; adopted by the IDF in 1997 and exported to numerous armed forces.
Origin
Country of origin: Israel
Designer: Israel Military Industries
Notes
The Negev can switch between belt and box-magazine feed without modification, and an assault mode allows firing from the hip with a forward grip. The improved NG5 and the 7.62x51mm NG7 followed the original design.
Background
Development of the Negev began in the mid-1980s when Israel sought a domestically produced light machine gun to replace the aging FN MAG and Galil-based automatic rifles at the squad level, with the weapon named after the Negev desert region of southern Israel.