The Indian Army has inducted 550 units of the indigenously developed Asmi machine pistol into its operational units under the Northern Command, underlining the journey toward self-reliance the country has taken in defence manufacture. This is a major achievement in its own right, but the manufacturer, Lokesh Machines Ltd., has achieved this feat despite facing a series of recent sanctions imposed by Washington for producing the pistol. The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) made the official announcement noting that Asmi pistols are a significant step toward India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing. It described the pistol as one designed for close-quarter battle and specialized operations.
It is a semi-bullpup pistol that can be used both as a pistol and as a submachine gun. It is developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod from Infantry School Mhow (Madhya Pradesh) of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This 100% Made-In-India weapon assumes significance as a step further towards the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and reduction in imports of foreign weaponry for the country. In a statement, the ADGPI stated that the Asmi machine pistol induction demonstrates the seriousness of India regarding boosting the domestic defence establishment.
The Asmi machine pistol weighs less than 2.4 kg, which is 10-15% lighter than similar international models, thus giving the Indian Army a tactical advantage in various combat scenarios. Its compact design and adaptability make it ideal for close-quarters battle situations, where rapid maneuverability and ease of use are crucial.
The ASMI is a high-performance pistol chambered for 9mm, with an 8-inch barrel, 33 rounds in the magazine, weighing under 2 kg in an empty magazine. The advanced materials used are the upper receiver, which is an aircraft-grade aluminum produced with 3D printing, and the lower made of carbon fiber, and the upper receiver was created using 3D printing, which also makes this pistol use a metal 3D-printed trigger mechanism. It also sports a full-length integral Picatinny rail at 12 and 6 o’clock positions, and M-Lok slots at 3 and 9 o’clock to allow for adequate attachments of optics and accessories.
Lokesh Machines Limited, based in Hyderabad, is manufacturing the Asmi pistols. The induction comes after the company’s previous delivery in October of another significant defence contract – the Asmi submachine gun (SMG). It was developed in collaboration with the Army and the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune. The company’s efforts are considered a significant contribution to India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities.
The Asmi pistols are being inducted amidst controversy. The Lokesh Machines Limited firm has been included in the list of 19 Indian entities recently sanctioned by the United States government. Sanctions were imposed on October 30 based on alleged business dealings with Russia. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reacted to the sanctions, saying that its defence companies do not violate Indian laws.
“India is proactively engaging with the U.S. authorities on the issues of export controls,” said Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson. He said that these transactions do not contravene Indian regulations but the Indian government is acting to bring it in line with international norms and would continue to inform companies of any new export control measures that may affect their operations.
The induction of the Asmi pistols is an important milestone in the development of India’s defence sector that depicts technological upgradation and efforts by the country towards self-reliance in defence production.