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In a significant move toward bolstering India’s self-reliance in defense, the Indian Army has inducted 550 units of the indigenously developed ‘Asmi’ machine pistol into its Northern Command.
This addition marks a key milestone in the country’s ‘Atmanirbharta’ initiative, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign defense technology.
Indigenous Development and Collaborative Effort
The ‘Asmi’ machine pistol is the result of a collaborative effort between Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Manufactured entirely in India by Lokesh Machines in Hyderabad, ‘Asmi’ is a 100 percent Make in India product, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to building a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem.
Key Features of ‘Asmi’ Machine Pistol
The ‘Asmi’ machine pistol has been designed to support close-quarters battle (CQB) scenarios, with a compact, lightweight build for enhanced mobility in confined spaces. Its unique semi-bullpup configuration allows the weapon to function efficiently as both a pistol and submachine gun, making it versatile in intense combat settings. The design enables single-handed operation, allowing soldiers to respond quickly in close encounters.
Equipped with a high firing rate, ‘Asmi’ is particularly effective in suppressing enemy positions at short ranges. With an effective range tailored for urban and CQB operations, the weapon offers reliable accuracy, increasing soldier efficiency in diverse tactical situations. Additionally, ‘Asmi’ is built to withstand rugged conditions, proving its durability across challenging terrains and extreme weather conditions, ensuring performance consistency.
Enhancing Self-Reliance and Customization in Defense
As a fully indigenous product, ‘Asmi’ can be customized to meet specific operational requirements, offering flexibility to the Army. The local manufacturing setup not only guarantees supply chain reliability but also allows rapid production adjustments based on immediate military needs.
The induction of ‘Asmi’ into the Northern Command highlights India’s growing defense capabilities and underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbharta initiative.
