In the step towards fulfilling i ‘Atmanirbharta’ (confidence), the Indian Army has inducted 550 units of indigenously developed ‘Asmi’ machine guns to the Northern Command. The achievement, a significant milestone in India’s defense manufacturing, highlights the country’s progress in self-sufficiency in key defense technologies.
The ‘Asmi’ machine gun, developed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), is a 100% Make in India weapon. Manufactured by Lokesh Machines in Hyderabad.
Designed for close combat and special operations, the ‘Asmi’ is compact and rugged. Here are the features of the custom made weapon:
Small and lightweight design: The ‘Asmi’ is designed for quick maneuverability in confined spaces, making it ideal for close combat (CQB) environments where speed and power are critical.
Semi-bullup configuration: Its unique semi-bullpup design allows the ‘Asmi’ to function well both as a rifle and a submachine gun, allowing one-handed operation, a very useful feature for quick reactions in tense combat situations.
Maximum shooting rate: ‘Asmi’ can deliver a high rate of fire, which is essential to suppress enemy positions in close encounters.
Range and accuracy: With an effective range suitable for CQB and urban operations, the ‘Asmi’ provides reliable engagement accuracy at short to medium ranges, improving military effectiveness in a variety of operational conditions.
Reliability and durability: Built to withstand rugged conditions, the ‘Asmi’ is rugged and highly reliable in a variety of weather and terrain conditions, ensuring consistent performance even in challenging conditions.
Native production and customization: Being a 100 percent Make in India product, ‘Asmi’ can be customized to meet specific performance requirements and rapidly produced to meet Army requirements, ensuring flexibility and reliability of the supply chain.