ASMI
Armament Research and Development Establishment (DRDO) · Submachine Gun · Limited Production · 2021
Also known as: Asmi, Machine Pistol ASMI
Overview
The ASMI is an Indian 9x19mm submachine gun developed in 2020 by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Army. It uses a simple blowback action firing from an open bolt and pairs a machined aluminium upper receiver with a carbon-fibre lower receiver to keep weight near 2 kg. Designed primarily for close-quarters battle and counter-insurgency, it feeds from Glock-compatible 33-round magazines, fires at roughly 600 rounds per minute, and is intended for vehicle and aircraft crews, commanders, support troops, police and VIP protection details.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2000 g (70.5 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Open Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Select Fire |
| Magazine Capacity | 33 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 9x19mm Parabellum · primary · 9mm NATO — also known as 9mm Luger, 9mm NATO, 9x19mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Push Through Safety Selector
- Features: Side Folding Stock, Full Length Picatinny Rail, M Lok Handguard, Ambidextrous Charging Handle, Threaded Muzzle, Glock Magazine Compatible, Aluminium Upper Carbon Fiber Lower
Variants
- ASMI 9-inch Barrel Variant — Barrel Length
Service history
Operators
- Indian Army · adopted 2023
Production
Production years: 2021-present
Indian Army placed initial procurement orders; unit production cost estimated around 50,000 INR (~$685 USD).
Origin
Country of origin: India
Designer: Lt. Col. Prasad Bansod
Notes
Prototyped in about four months using 3D printing. Features a side-folding stock, full-length 12 o'clock Picatinny rail, M-LOK slots, an ambidextrous (swappable) charging handle, a threaded muzzle for suppressors, and a push-through safety/fire-selector offering safe, semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. A shorter 9-inch overall variant was later unveiled. ASMI means 'pride' or 'self-respect' in Sanskrit.
Background
ASMI was designed by Lt. Col. Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army's Infantry School at Mhow and prototyped in roughly four months using 3D printing, becoming one of India's first fully indigenous machine pistols/submachine guns.