SOURCE: AFI
The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has been engaged in a long-standing endeavor to modernize the 9mm pistol, a mainstay of the Indian Armed Forces since the late 1970s. The pistol, a licensed version of the Browning Hi-Power, has been a workhorse for Indian troops, but its reliability issues, particularly stoppages, have been a persistent concern.
Despite these shortcomings, the pistol remains indispensable in counter-insurgency (COIN) operations, where a reliable sidearm is crucial. Recognizing the need for a superior, indigenously produced pistol, the OFB has been working tirelessly to develop a replacement that meets the stringent demands of modern warfare.
The Indian armed forces are keen on equipping their personnel with the best-in-class, Made-in-India pistols. As the OFB continues its development efforts, the expectation is that a new, reliable, and effective pistol will soon emerge to replace the aging Browning Hi-Power and enhance the capabilities of Indian soldiers.