Just days after the US imposed sanctions on 19 Indian firms, including Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machines Ltd, for allegedly supporting Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine, the Indian Army has inducted 550 ‘Asmi’ machine pistols manufactured by the same company. This decisive move underscores India’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities, even in the face of international scrutiny.
In a post on X on Tuesday, the Army announced the induction of the Asmi machine pistols into its Northern Command which secures borders with China, reinforcing its commitment to Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance. The Asmi, developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is manufactured indigenously by Lokesh Machines.
The Army’s post describes the Asmi as a robust, compact, and reliable weapon designed for close-quarter battles and specialized operations. Its unique semi-bullpup configuration allows single-handed operation, combining the functionality of a pistol with the firepower of a submachine gun, making it highly versatile in tactical scenarios.
Enhancing #Atmanirbharta : Indigenously Developed 'Asmi' Machine Pistols
In a significant boost to the nation's #Atmanirbharta initiative, #IndianArmy inducted 550 'Asmi' machine pistols into #NorthernCommand. The weapon which has been developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the… pic.twitter.com/q4Ir07x8dx
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 5, 2024
This marks the Indian Army’s first acquisition of Asmi machine pistols, with additional orders anticipated to equip Special Forces units securing the northern borders from Srinagar to Leh and Ladakh. Lokesh Machines Ltd secured the contract valued at Rs. 4.26 crore earlier this year to supply 550 Asmi machine pistols chambered in 9×19mm for the Army’s Special Forces. Weighing under 2.4 kg, the Asmi is both lighter and more affordable than comparable international models. It features an 8-inch barrel and a 33-round magazine optimized for 9mm ammunition.
“This 100per cent Made-in-India weapon’s induction demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Indian Army towards AtmanirbharBharat to propel the Nation towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing,” the Army stated.
In addition to the Army, Lokesh Machines has delivered the advanced “ASMI” to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) such as NSG and Assam Rifles. Currently, they are in the process of executing a pilot order for the Border Security Force (BSF).
The machine pistol, jointly developed with the Indian Army and ARDE (DRDO), represents the first private-public partnership in the small arms segment to achieve such success. Lokesh Machines Ltd. is India’s leading manufacturer of machine tools and auto components.
In response to the recent US sanctions on Lokesh Machines Ltd and 18 other Indian companies for allegedly supporting Russia’s military efforts, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified on November 2 that the companies did not violate Indian laws with their trade activities. The Ministry further stated that India is in contact with US authorities to address export control issues arising from these transactions.
Ravi Shankar
