New Delhi: India’s first indigenous 9mm Machine Pistol has been jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army. Infantry School, Mhow and DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, have designed and developed this weapon using their respective expertise in the complementary areas.

The weapon has been developed in a record time of four months. The Machine Pistol fires the in-service 9mm ammunition and sports an upper receiver made from aircraft grade Aluminium and lower receiver from carbon fibre. 3D Printing process has been used in designing and prototyping of various parts including trigger components made by metal 3D printing.

The weapon has huge potential in Armed Forces as personal weapon for heavy weapon detachments, commanders, tank and aircraft crews, drivers and dispatch riders, radio and radar operators, Closed Quarter Battle, counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations. This is also likely to find huge employability with the central and state police organisations as well as VIP protection duties and policing. The Machine Pistol is likely to have production cost under Rs 50,000 each and has potential for exports.

The weapon is aptly named “Asmi” meaning “Pride”, “Self-Respect” and “Hard Work”.

Keeping the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat in view, this small step will pave way for self reliance and it is expected that the Services and Paramilitary Forces (PMFs) will induct this expeditiously.