Why Indian Army Prioritizes Homegrown ASMI SMG Over Israeli Uzi

In a notable move, the Indian Army has recently opted for the indigenously developed ASMI submachine gun (SMG) over the globally recognized Israeli Uzi. This decision reflects India's growing emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing, coupled with the ASMI's specific advantages over the Uzi.

The ASMI, an acronym for "pride, self-respect, and hard work," is a 9x19mm caliber SMG designed in 2020 by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and Lt Col Prasad Bansod. This indigenous weapon's selection over the Uzi is attributed to several key factors:

1. Logistical Simplicity: The ASMI uses the standard 9x19mm Parabellum ammunition already employed by the Indian Army, streamlining logistics and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
2. Modern Design: In contrast to the Uzi, designed in the 1940s, the ASMI boasts a modern design featuring an aluminum upper receiver and a carbon fiber lower receiver, achieving a balance of weight and durability.
3. Cost-Effectiveness: The ASMI is reportedly more affordable than the Uzi, presenting a financially sound choice for the Indian Army.

While the Uzi has a long-standing reputation for reliability and simplicity, the ASMI's advantages in ammunition compatibility, contemporary design, and cost-effectiveness likely tipped the scales in its favor.

Additionally, the ASMI's domestic development aligns with India's "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India) initiative, bolstering the country's defence manufacturing capabilities.

The selection of the ASMI marks a significant milestone for India's defence sector, demonstrating its growing capacity to design and produce high-quality weaponry. This achievement potentially paves the way for further successes in domestic arms production, contributing to India's goal of self-reliance in defence.

 

[Rajagopal]

Hard to believe Indian Army chose a desi maal. Happy to hear the good news.

 

[Sangram]

good decision taken local to global stage

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Hard to believe Indian Army chose a desi maal. Happy to hear the good news.

If someone has details of this deal, like number of units ordered,price etc, it would be great. Anways this is great news, army finally showing trust in indian designed and made weapons. Kudos to the outgoing army chief.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We need more colonels like Col Prasad Bansod. Hope ASMI gets major orders and is inducted in large numbers.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

If someone has details of this deal, like number of units ordered,price etc, it would be great. Anways this is great news, army finally showing trust in indian designed and made weapons. Kudos to the outgoing army chief.

Lokesh Machines is manufacturing it. They have orders for 550 guns.

 

[Akshat]

Hard to believe Indian Army chose a desi maal. Happy to hear the good news.

Indian army always chooses desi maal if it's available, even if it has to pay double or triple the price.

 

[GMR]

Hard to believe Indian Army chose a desi maal. Happy to hear the good news.

Very Happy that ASMI was selected.
Answer to ur question will may be IA thought " Apna bande ne banaya hai, izzat ki sawal hai"

 

[kumar]

Hard to believe Indian Army chose a desi maal. Happy to hear the good news.

IA gave 550 units order to both ASMI and 550 units order to Taurus submachine gun(screwdrivered by Jindal). So they have made arrangement for gravy train as well as asmi. There will be two production lines, one for asmi and one for import Taurus with equal quantity order. Must appreciate IA, because they can keep gravy train running even in the face of atmanirbharatha.

 

[kumar]

We need more colonels like Col Prasad Bansod. Hope ASMI gets major orders and is inducted in large numbers.

IA won't like it, especially for bigger weapon platforms.

 

[Kira]

Hard to believe Indian Army chose a desi maal. Happy to hear the good news.

To be sure,this is not a sub par OFB product,and is designed inhouse by IA with significant contribution by private firms and so is their production also taken up by these firms.
Just look at it,it looks a well furnished and mature gun produced by the likes of H&K or FN etc.

 

[SK]

I hope that ASMI becomes the Standard SMG of Indian Security Forces be it Military, CAPFs, Paramilitary or State Police Forces.

 

[RajinderVerma]

Good -- But the proof of the Pudding is in the Numbers finally inducted and the long term sustainability of the Weapon in terms of Durability, Accuracy and Glitch Free operations in Field conditions !!! The weapon or for that water any weapon is more about metallurgy and ergonomics than any other Atribute !!! We wish Colonel Pramod Bhasod and his Team the Best - may he spawn a bigger and better tribe of Designers !!!

 

[KVS]

Hard to believe Indian Army chose a desi maal. Happy to hear the good news.

Me too!🙂

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

The foldable handle is of cheap design and needs to be like MP-5-7-9 or like the Indian JVCP carbine , Ergonomically designed

 

[Avatar]

Hard to believe Indian Army chose a desi maal. Happy to hear the good news.

Do you think the IA chose it, or the MoD told them to select it? I think the Modi sarkar is actually forcing Indian defense forces to buy Indian where possible.
I see double benefit in this. The money stays in India and can be reinvested to make the same product better. There is also less foreign interference and less corruption in the deals.