SOURCE: AFI
India’s security forces have gained a formidable edge in their ongoing battle against Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) with the deployment of the indigenously developed Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC). Designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Armament Research and Development Establishment and manufactured by Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), the JVPC has emerged as a game-changer in close-range combat, particularly in the dense jungles of Chhattisgarh where security personnel confront Naxal insurgents.
The JVPC was conceptualized to replace the outdated 9mm submachine guns previously used by Indian forces, introducing a unique 5.56 x 30mm calibre tailored for modern operational needs. Weighing just 2.98 kg, thanks to its lightweight polymer construction, the weapon combines portability with a high rate of fire and an effective range of 200 meters. Its design incorporates advanced features such as visible and invisible laser designators, silencers, and even bayonets, making it a versatile “beast” for close-quarters assaults.
According to DRDO’s official description, the JVPC boasts a retractable butt, an integral grip housing a 30-round magazine, a modular trigger mechanism, and a Picatinny rail for mounting additional accessories. These attributes enhance its adaptability, allowing security forces to customize the weapon based on mission requirements. The inclusion of laser designators and silencers further amplifies its effectiveness in stealth operations, a critical advantage in guerrilla warfare scenarios.
The JVPC has quickly become the go-to weapon for Indian security forces engaged in counterinsurgency operations, particularly in the government’s offensive push against LWE. In Chhattisgarh, where Naxal militants have long exploited the region’s rugged terrain for ambushes and hit-and-run tactics, the JVPC has tilted the scales in favor of the security personnel. Armed with this superior weaponry, forces now enjoy a clear upper hand over the guerrillas, who have struggled to match the technological and firepower advancements of their adversaries.
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