The Indian Army has inducted 550 ‘Asmi’ Machine Pistols manufactured by the same Hyderabad-based defence company.

The induction of 550 Asmi Machine Pistols into the Northern Command, which secures borders with China and Pakistan, was described by the Indian Army as “a significant boost to the nation’s Atmanirbharta initiative.”

• The 9x19mm Asmi Machine Pistols was developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is being manufactured indigenously by Lokesh Machines.
• Lokesh Machines Ltd won the contract early this year to supply 550 9×19mm Asmi Machine Pistols to the Army’s Special Forces which weighs under 2.4 kg and is also lighter and much cheaper than its global competitors.
• It sports an 8-inch barrel and a 33-round magazine to fire 9mm ammunition.