The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly acquired a 7.62x51mm version of the XM250 light machine gun (LMG) developed by Sig Sauer for the U.S. Army. This acquisition marks a potential shift in the IDF’s light machine gun procurement strategy, with the new light Machine Gun offering a lighter and more versatile alternative to the existing Negev series, which could be replaced in some cases. According to a report by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the IDF’s acquisition involves Sig Sauer’s XM250 in 7.62x51mm, a variant of the one used by the U.S. Army, initially chambered for the 6.8x51mm cartridge. This light machine gun could replace certain models of the Negev series, which are available in both 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm, and are currently in service with the Israeli military.
This information was potentially confirmed by a recently surfaced video showing several XM250s equipped with various optics, including the ROMEO8T non-magnifying “red-dot” sight paired with a Juliet-series magnifier, both Sig Sauer products. The video also shows aiming lasers, suppressors, and other advanced accessories, all becoming common features on modern light machine guns used by militaries. The use of these optics indicates the IDF’s intention to deploy the LMG in various combat missions.
The XM250 is part of the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program, including the XM7 rifle, chambered in 6.8x51mm. Sig Sauer’s design is intended to offer high modularity, with ergonomic features similar to the AR-15/M16-style rifles that Israeli soldiers are already familiar with. The 7.62x51mm version, now in the hands of the IDF, shares the same dimensions as the 6.8x51mm version, with a 16-inch barrel and a total length of 37 inches when the stock is collapsed.