Col Prasad Bansod testing the Asmi machine pistol.
New Delhi: In a move towards bolstering the country’s domestic defence sector and augmenting its close-range combat capabilities, the Indian Army has inducted 550 units of the “Asmi” machine pistol into its Northern Command. This induction, announced on Tuesday, comes just days after the United States imposed sanctions on Lokesh Machines Limited, the manufacturer of the weapon, due to the company’s alleged ties with Russia.
Lokesh Machines is a Hyderabad-based computer numerical control (CNC) machine-manufacturing company, which was founded in 1983. The company received a licence to manufacture and test arms from the government in April this year.
The Asmi machine pistol was developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army’s Sikh Regiment in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). Its design features a semi-bullpup configuration that allows for single-handed operation, making it particularly effective for close-quarter combats and specialized operations.
The pistol is chambered for 9 x 19mm ammunition and boasts an 8-inch barrel with a high-capacity magazine that can hold up to 33 rounds. This weapon is designed to meet the demands of modern warfare, offering both versatility and reliability in various combat scenarios.
Enhancing #Atmanirbharta : Indigenously Developed 'Asmi' Machine Pistols
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) November 5, 2024
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
Lokesh Machines secured the contract to supply these pistols as part of India’s broader initiative for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. However, the company recently came under scrutiny following sanctions imposed by the US treasury department.
These sanctions are reportedly linked to the company’s alleged efforts to export machine tools to Russia, potentially contributing to Moscow’s military manufacturing sector. The US government has expressed concerns over companies that openly advertise their exports to Russia, which has heightened tensions amid ongoing geopolitical issues, especially in light of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine.
In response to these sanctions, Lokesh Machines has denied any wrongdoing and asserted that it has not engaged in business with sanctioned entities. It also said it is actively seeking clarification from US authorities regarding the sanctions imposed on it.
Interestingly, the induction of the Asmi machine pistol comes close to the heels of the recent controversy in which the CEO of Indian company SSS Defence, Vivek Krishnan, publicly expressed his disappointment of the defence ministry signing a deal with US manufacturer Sig Sauer Inc for an additional 73,000 SIG 716 assault rifles for the country’s armed forces despite his company had an equally good rifle at a competitive price on offer. The issue had kicked off a big row at that time.
Nonetheless, this Army order of 550 Asmi machine pistols from Lokesh Machines is expected to inspire further innovations within the country’s defence sector and could lead to more collaborative projects between military and private manufacturers.
Furthermore, experts see this move as a bold statement of India’s strategic autonomy. While some have expressed concerns about potential diplomatic repercussions with the US, others view it as a pragmatic decision to enhance national security.
The success of the “Asmi” project could pave the way for other indigenous arms to replace legacy systems, reducing India’s reliance on foreign suppliers.
