The Indian Army has recently received the country's first domestically developed sub-machine gun (SMG), named ASMI, meaning "pride" in Sanskrit. This significant milestone marks the completion of a project that was designed, developed, and manufactured in under three years. ASMI has already demonstrated its capabilities by outperforming several renowned international models, including Israel's Uzi and Germany's MP5, particularly in accuracy and reliability.

Weighing less than 2.4 kg, the ASMI is 10-15% lighter than its global counterparts, making it a practical choice for soldiers. Priced at under Rs 1 lakh, it is approximately 30% cheaper than imported alternatives, providing a cost-effective solution for the Indian armed forces.

Unlike the Uzi, which dates back to the 1940s, the ASMI features a contemporary design, incorporating materials like aluminium and carbon fibre. This modern approach strikes an optimal balance between weight and performance, enhancing its operational utility.

This achievement is credited to Lokesh Machines Limited, a Hyderabad-based company that successfully delivered an order of 550 9x19 mm ASMI SMGs to the Northern Command of the Indian Army. The contract, valued at Rs 4.26 crore, was awarded in mid-June. The ASMI's development was based on the fundamental design provided by the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, in collaboration with the Indian Army.

Additionally, other security forces, including the National Security Guard (NSG), Assam Rifles, and Border Security Force (BSF), have received pilot lots of the ASMI and expressed interest in expanding its deployment, highlighting the weapon's anticipated impact on India's defence capabilities.