SOURCE: AFI
In a significant stride toward self-reliance in defense manufacturing, Bengaluru-based SSS Defence has recently unveiled two groundbreaking indigenous firearms: a Submachine Gun (SMG) and a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). This development marks yet another milestone for the private Indian firm, which has steadily emerged as a key player in the country’s small arms sector. Known for its innovative designs and commitment to meeting the operational needs of India’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies, SSS Defence is reinforcing its reputation with these latest offerings, unveiled as of early March 2025.
The announcement, highlighted in posts on X on March 2, 2025, underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and compete with global benchmarks. These firearms are designed to address specific tactical needs: the SMG for close-quarter combat (CQB) and the DMR for precision engagements at extended ranges. By developing these weapons in-house, SSS Defence is reducing India’s reliance on imported small arms and positioning itself as a potential exporter in the global defense market.
The newly unveiled SMG from SSS Defence is chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum, a widely used caliber known for its balance of stopping power, manageable recoil, and versatility. Tailored for close-quarter battle scenarios, the SMG is engineered to offer a compact design, rapid maneuverability, and a high rate of fire—attributes critical for military and law enforcement operations in urban environments or confined spaces.
According to earlier reports from November 2024, SSS Defence had been working on an SMG that was undergoing rigorous internal trials to assess its reliability, accuracy, and durability under extreme conditions. The unveiling suggests that these trials have progressed successfully, paving the way for the weapon’s formal introduction. The SMG incorporates modern materials and design techniques to ensure durability while maintaining ease of maintenance, making it suitable for deployment in diverse and harsh operational settings.
This firearm is poised to compete with foreign SMGs currently in use by Indian forces, such as the Heckler & Koch MP5 or the Sterling submachine gun. By offering an indigenous alternative, SSS Defence aims to enhance the operational autonomy of India’s security forces, aligning with the government’s emphasis on self-reliance in defense production.
Complementing the SMG, the DMR represents SSS Defence’s foray into precision weaponry for medium-to-long-range engagements. While specific details about the DMR’s caliber and technical specifications remain limited in the initial announcement, it is likely built on the company’s prior experience with the P-72 family of rifles. The P-72 Designated Marksman Rifle, previously developed by SSS Defence, is available in 7.62×51mm and 7.62×39mm configurations, boasting an effective range of approximately 800 meters. This suggests that the newly unveiled DMR could follow a similar design philosophy, optimized for accuracy and reliability.
Designated Marksman Rifles bridge the gap between standard infantry rifles and specialized sniper rifles, providing squads with the ability to engage targets at extended ranges with precision. The SSS Defence DMR is expected to feature advanced ergonomics, a free-floating barrel for improved accuracy, and compatibility with modern optics and accessories—attributes that align with the needs of contemporary marksmen in the Indian armed forces.
The development of this DMR comes at a time when the Indian military is seeking to modernize its arsenal, phasing out older systems like the Russian-made Dragunov SVD, which has limitations in range and adaptability. By offering a domestically produced DMR, SSS Defence is positioning itself to meet this demand, potentially securing contracts with the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and police units.
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