Amidst growing expectation, India gears up to equip its Special Forces with the indigenous ASMI pistol, a groundbreaking development in the nation’s defence industry.
Lokesh Machine Limited has secured the contract to supply 550 units of the 9x19mm Submachine Pistol “ASMI” to the Special Forces of the Indian Army, emerging victorious over competitors PLR Systems and Jindal Defence.
The mastermind behind this revolutionary pistol is Col Prasad Bansod from the Infantry School, Mhow, supported by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune.
In an impressive feat of engineering prowess, ASMI was developed in a record time of just four months, firing the in-service 9 mm ammunition.
Initially reported by Financial Express Online in 2021, ASMI boasts an upper receiver crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum and a lower receiver made from carbon fiber, utilizing cutting-edge 3D printing technology for components like the trigger.
Sporting an 8-inch barrel and a high-capacity 33-round magazine, ASMI weighs under 2 kgs when empty, offering versatility with its full-length integral Picatinny rail and M-Lok slots for accessories.
ASMI’s potential applications within the Armed Forces are vast, catering to various roles including personnel weapon for vehicle detachments, commanders, tank and aircraft crews, drivers, dispatch riders, radio/radar operators, close-quarters combat (CQB), counter-insurgency (CI), counter-terrorism (CT) operations, VIP protection, and policing duties.
With an estimated production cost of under Rs 50,000 per unit, ASMI holds promise not only for domestic security forces but also for potential export markets, reflecting India’s strides towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing. The significance of indigenous production resonates with the name “ASMI,” symbolizing pride, self-respect, and the diligent efforts behind its creation.
The decision to procure submachine guns from multiple suppliers underscores India’s pressing defence needs and the strategy to diversify procurement channels. While logistical challenges may arise, including maintenance and spare parts management, this approach ensures enhanced operational readiness and timely delivery of critical firearms to bolster national security efforts.