In a major boost to country’s self-reliance initiative, the Indian Army has inducted 550 ‘Asmi’ machine pistols into its Northern Command.

The weapon has been developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is being manufactured by an Indian company in Hyderabad.

This Made-in-India weapon underscores the Army’s commitment towards Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The benefit of a bullpup weapon is that the weapon’s overall length can be significantly decreased without reducing the barrel length.

The ‘Asmi’ machine pistol is specifically designed for close-quarter combat and specialized operations. Its unique semi-bullpup design allows for versatile single-handed operation, functioning effectively as both a pistol and a submachine gun.

This induction marks a significant step towards country’s defense manufacturing sector, reinforcing the Indian Army’s resolve to achieve self-sufficiency and drive Indigenous innovation.