In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, Hyderabad-based Lokesh Machines Limited has secured a contract to supply 1,013 ASMI machine pistols to the Assam Rifles.
The company emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in a competitive tender, marking another milestone in the nation's shift towards self-reliance in military manufacturing.
This latest order reinforces the growing confidence in the ASMI platform, a 9mm submachine gun completely designed and manufactured in India.
It follows a previous successful delivery of 550 units to the Indian Army's Northern Command Special Forces, suggesting that the weapon has successfully transitioned from a prototype to a field-proven asset for India's security forces.
The Weapon: ASMI
The ASMI, whose name is derived from "Asmita" (meaning pride, self-respect, and hard work), represents a modern evolution in small arms.It was conceptually designed by Colonel Prasad Bansod of the Indian Army in collaboration with the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a wing of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Developed in a record time of just four months, the ASMI is built to replace the ageing fleet of 9mm Sterling 1A carbines that have been in service for over half a century. The weapon features a semi-bullpup design, which allows it to remain compact without compromising barrel length or accuracy.
Key features include:
- Lightweight Construction: Weighing under 2 kilograms (empty), it utilizes aircraft-grade aluminium for the upper receiver and carbon fibre for the lower receiver.
- Modern Ergonomics: It includes a side-folding stock for easy handling in tight spaces, such as inside vehicles or during Close Quarter Battle (CQB) operations.
- Versatility: The weapon is equipped with a full-length Picatinny rail for mounting optics and accessories, and it accepts standard high-capacity magazines.
Strategic and Economic Impact
The selection of Lokesh Machines highlights the economic advantages of domestic manufacturing.The unit cost of the ASMI is estimated to be around ₹50,000, which is approximately one-third the cost of comparable imported submachine guns like the Israeli Uzi or the German MP5.
This cost-efficiency allows defence forces to modernise their armouries at a fraction of the usual expense.
For Lokesh Machines, a company traditionally known for manufacturing Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and auto components, this contract signifies a successful diversification into the defence sector.
By leveraging their precision engineering expertise, they have established a robust supply chain capable of meeting the stringent quality standards of the armed forces.
A Step Toward Self-Reliance
This procurement by the Assam Rifles—the oldest paramilitary force in India—is seen as a strong validation of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative in the defence sector.It demonstrates that the Indian private sector, in partnership with government research bodies, can produce world-class weaponry that meets modern operational requirements.
With the Indian Army and now the Assam Rifles placing orders, industry observers expect further interest from other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police units, potentially opening up export opportunities for the ASMI in the future.
