In a significant development for India's defence sector, the Uttar Pradesh Police Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has selected the Czech-made CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 submachine gun (SMG) over the indigenously developed ASMI 9mm machine pistol.
The contract, awarded to Bengaluru-based Vinveli Automated Systems Private Limited, is valued at ₹87,984,000 and covers the procurement of 1,228 SMGs at a unit price of ₹78,000.
This decision marks a notable instance where a foreign weapon system has been chosen over a domestically produced counterpart, raising questions about the competitiveness of India's small arms industry.
The ASMI, developed by Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, was a contender in the tender process.
Despite successfully clearing trials and offering a competitive price of ₹88,942,800, the ASMI lost out to the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 due to a marginal difference in the overall bidding price.
The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1, manufactured by Česká Zbrojovka (CZ), enjoys a strong international reputation for its reliability, compact design, and modularity.
Chambered for the ubiquitous 9x19mm Parabellum round, it is well-suited for various tactical scenarios, particularly in counterterrorism and urban warfare.
The weapon's lightweight construction, accuracy, and adaptability have made it a preferred choice for law enforcement and military units globally.
The UP ATS, responsible for countering terrorism, organized crime, and extremist activities in India's most populous state, requires cutting-edge and dependable weaponry.
The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1, with its proven track record in counter-terrorism operations worldwide, emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in the tender, securing the contract over competitors.
Vinveli Automated Systems Private Limited, primarily known for its expertise in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector, has expanded its portfolio by entering the small arms procurement domain.
Acting as the intermediary for Česká Zbrojovka in this deal, Vinveli further solidifies its position within India's growing defence ecosystem.
This procurement decision underscores the ongoing challenges faced by India's domestic defence industry in achieving cost competitiveness and securing contracts against established international players.
While the ASMI's performance in trials demonstrated its capabilities, the pricing structure ultimately proved to be a decisive factor in the UP ATS's selection process.
