Indian Army Inducts 550 ‘Asmi’ Machine Pistols

In a significant move toward self-reliance in defense, the Indian Army inducted 550 indigenously developed ‘Asmi’ machine pistols into the Northern Command, which oversees operations in the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points

Development and Manufacturing: The ‘Asmi’ machine pistol was developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is manufactured by Lokesh Machines Limited, Hyderabad.
Design and Features: Featuring a semi-bullpup design, the weapon allows for single-handed operation, functioning as both a pistol and submachine gun. It includes an eight-inch barrel and a 33-round magazine firing 9mm rounds.
Role in Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Army highlighted the induction of the Asmi pistol as a boost to the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing a commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in defense technology and manufacturing.
Special Forces Equipage: The pistols are intended for the Special Forces deployed in India’s Northern Theatre, equipping them for close-quarter battles and specialized operations in the high-stakes regions of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.