India locally develops 9mm machine pistol
New Delhi: India has locally developed a 9mm machine pistol through indigenous collaborative efforts by the defence scientists and infantry men, a model that could be considered apt for design and development of future weapons and military systems.
The 9mm machine pistol — named ‘Asmi‘ that means ‘Pride’, ‘Self-Respect’ and ‘Hard Work’ — has a huge potential for use in the armed forces, as a personal weapon for heavy weapon detachments, commanders, tank and aircraft crew, drivers and dispatch riders, radio and radar operators, close quarter battle, and counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
The weapon is also likely to find huge employability with the central and state police organisations as well as VIP protection duties and policing. The machine pistol is likely to have production cost under Rs 50,000 (less than $685) each and has potential for exports.
The pistol development took place with participation from the Indian Army‘s Infantry School at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh and Defence Research and Development Organisation‘s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) at Pune.
“The two institutions designed and developed this weapon using their respective expertise in the complementary areas. The weapon has been developed in a record time of four months,” a Ministry of Defence statement said.
The machine pistol fires the in-service 9mm ammunition and sports an upper receiver made from aircraft grade Aluminium and lower receiver from carbon fibre. 3D Printing process has been used in designing and prototyping of various parts including trigger components made by metal 3D printing.
The design and development of the Asmi is a small step that will pave way for self-reliance and it is expected that the armed forces and the paramilitary forces will induct this weapon expeditiously, boosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s call for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat‘.
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