New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s defense self-reliance initiative, the Indian Army has inducted 550 ‘Asmi’ machine pistols into its Northern Command. This move highlights the growing focus on Indigenous defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Campaign).
The ‘Asmi’ machine pistol was developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
It is being manufactured by an Indian company based in Hyderabad. This marks a key milestone in India’s push to strengthen its domestic defense production capabilities.
The machine pistol’s design features a semi-bullpup configuration, which offers several advantages, particularly for close-quarter combat. The bullpup design reduces the overall length of the weapon without shortening the barrel, making it more compact and manoeuvrable without sacrificing firing power.
This makes the ‘Asmi’ ideal for specialized operations, providing soldiers with a versatile weapon that can be used effectively with one hand.
The ‘Asmi’ is not just a pistol but functions as a submachine gun, allowing it to fulfill multiple roles in combat situations. It is specifically tailored for use in environments where speed, agility, and precision are critical.
The induction of this indigenous weapon into the Indian Army is seen as a major step forward for India’s defense manufacturing sector. It reinforces the Indian Army’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in defense technologies and encouraging innovation in the defense industry.
This development is also in line with India’s broader push for greater self-reliance in defense and manufacturing, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign imports while fostering domestic production capabilities.
