Indian Army’s Northern Command Inducts 550 Indigenous 'Asmi' Machine Pistols

Srinagar, India – In a significant move underscoring India's commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing, Indian Army has inducted 550 domestically produced 'Asmi' machine pistols into its rrn Command. Developed in partnership between Indian Army and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), 'Asmi' machine pistol is a fully indigeus weapon crafted to bolster India’s Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, initiative in defense capabilities.

Anuncing induction on social media platform X, ditional Directorate General of Public Information (GPI) of Indian Army stated, "In a significant boost to nation's #Atmanirbharta initiative, #IndianArmy inducted 550 'Asmi' machine pistols into #rrnCommand."  

'Asmi' machine pistol, named to symbolize "pride, self-respect, and hard work," was first unveiled in January 2021. Its development, spearheed by Lieutenant Colonel Pras Bansod, is a testament to indigeus engineering capabilities. weapon was designed and produced in a record four months, utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, including 3D printing for some components.  

A Versatile Weapon for Modern Warfare  

Asmi machine pistol is specifically engineered for close-quarter combat, a frequent necessity in counter-insurgency and specialized military operations within challenging terrains of rrn Command’s operational zones. G PI post elaborated, “ 'Asmi' machine pistol is a robust, compact, and reliable weapon designed for close-quarter battles and specialized operations. Its unique semi-bullpup design allows for single-handed operation both as a pistol and submachine gun.”

This design enhances maeuvrability, allowing soldiers to operate weapon effectively even in constrained environments such as urban or jungle warfare scenarios. semi-bullpup configuration maximizes barrel length while maintaining a compact overall size, providing both power and ease of handling. weapon also functions as a hybrid, serving as both a pistol and a submachine gun, making it particularly valuable in high-intensity, close-range engments.  

Reducing Dependence on Foreign-me Small Arms  

introduction of Asmi pistol is t only a tactical upgre but also represents a strategic step toward reducing dependence on foreign-me small arms. Asmi was designed to replace ing 1A Carbine, India’s domestically produced variant of Sterling submachine gun, which has been in service since 1960s. While imported submachine guns like Brügger & Thomet MP9, Heckler & Koch MP5, and Uzi are currently in use, Asmi offers a cost-effective alternative. Each unit of Asmi costs only a third of price of an MP5, significantly reducing expenditure on foreign arms.  

DRDO h previously attempted to replace 1A Carbine with Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC) in 2000s, but it failed to meet operational requirements. Asmi machine pistol, however, has succeeded where prior attempts fell short, offering a reliable and cost-effective solution crafted specifically for Indian combat needs.

induction of Asmi machine pistol aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (Self-Reliant India Campaign), an initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance in every sector, including defence. This campaign underscores goal of transforming India into a manufacturing hub for vanced defence techlogies and reducing dependency on imported defence equipment.  

Highlighting this mission, Indian Army's G PI emphasized, "This 100% Me-in-India weapon’s induction demonstrates unwavering commitment of #IndianArmy towards #AtmanirbharBharat to propel Nation towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing."  

Increasing Role of Private Indian Firms

Asmi machine pistol's successful induction is anticipated to inspire furr collaborations between Indian Armed Forces and domestic defense manufacturers. involvement of Lokesh Machine Limited, Hyderab, in producing weapon highlights increasing role of private Indian firms in contributing to defense sector. This collaboration reflects growing synergy between state ncies and private enterprises to produce world-class defence equipment tailored to India’s specific needs.

By continuing to invest in indigeus weapons and techlogy, India aims to t only achieve military self-reliance but also position itself as a global exporter of defense equipment. Asmi machine pistol is projected to play a pivotal role in achieving se ambitions, marking a new era of Indian manufacturing prowess.  

induction of Asmi machine pistol into Indian Army’s rrn Command is a significant milestone in India's journey towards military self-reliance. This indigeusly developed weapon is expected to enhance tactical effectiveness of Indian soldiers in close-combat operations, especially within counter-insurgency context of rrn Command.