SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant step toward bolstering India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a new 9-inch barrel variant of the ASMI (Asmita) submachine gun was unveiled on June 19, 2025. The ASMI, meaning “pride, self-respect, and hard work” in Sanskrit, is India’s first indigenously designed 9x19mm machine pistol, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Army. This latest variant enhances the weapon’s versatility, positioning it as a formidable alternative to imported SMGs like Israel’s Uzi and Germany’s Heckler & Koch MP5.
The ASMI was designed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army’s Infantry School, Mhow, in collaboration with DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune. The weapon was developed in a record four months, utilizing 3D printing for prototyping trigger components.
Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machines Ltd., a CNC machine manufacturer, produces the ASMI at its Toopran factory in Telangana. In 2024, the company delivered 550 units to the Indian Army’s Para (Special Forces) under a ?4.26 crore (US$540,000) contract, marking the first major induction of an indigenous small arm since the INSAS rifle.
The ASMI has outperformed global competitors in accuracy and reliability during trials, leading to its selection over the Uzi and MP5. It is currently in use by the Northern Command and under evaluation by the National Security Guard (NSG), Assam Rifles, and Border Security Force (BSF)
Key Features of the New ASMI Variant
- Extended 9-Inch Barrel:
- The new variant features a 9-inch barrel, longer than the existing 7.2-inch and 6.5-inch configurations, offering improved range and accuracy for close-quarter combat (CQB) and urban operations.
- The extended barrel enhances muzzle velocity, making it suitable for specialized missions requiring precision at slightly longer distances.
- Lightweight and Modular Design:
- Weighing under 2.4 kg, the ASMI is 10–15% lighter than its international counterparts, thanks to its aerospace-grade aluminium upper receiver and carbon fibre lower receiver.
- The weapon includes a unibody receiver, a full-length Picatinny rail, M-LOK slots, and a side-folding stock, allowing for customization with optics, grips, and other accessories.
- Performance Specifications:
- Chambered for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge, a standard in Indian security forces, the ASMI ensures logistical compatibility.
- It boasts a firing rate of 600–800 rounds per minute, a 32–33 round high-capacity magazine (compatible with Glock magazines), and an effective range of up to 100 meters.
- The weapon operates on a simple blowback mechanism, ensuring reliability in diverse conditions.
- Cost-Effective Production:
- Priced at approximately ?50,000 (US$590) per unit, the ASMI costs about one-third of imported SMGs like the MP5, making it an economical choice for large-scale induction.
- Its low production cost also opens avenues for potential exports, aligning with India’s goal of becoming a global defence supplier.
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