The Indian Army is inducting a growing number of indigenously developed small arms, signalling rising momentum for the country’s still maturing small-arms industry.
Amongst the slew of domestically developed carbines and machine guns entering the fray, the Indian paramilitary force the Assam Rifles is set to induct the domestically developed ASMI 9x19mm machine pistol.
In February, the Indian firm Lokesh Machines – the production partner for the weapon – disclosed in a stock exchange filing that it had gained this order from Assam Rifles. Deliveries are to conclude within 90 days.
The Indian Army’s Northern Command had earlier inducted 550 units in November 2024.
The ASMI was jointly developed by the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), a laboratory under the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Indian Army’s Infantry School in Mhow.
The weapon features a unique, semi-bullpup design that allows single-handed operation either as a pistol or a submachine gun. It was designed primarily for close-quarters battle (CQB) and specialised operations.
Chambered for in-service 9x19mm ammunition, the ASMI features an upper receiver made from aircraft-grade aluminium and a carbon-fibre lower receiver. Various other components, including trigger elements, are produced using additive manufacturing.
Its development commenced in 2020, with the weapon unveiled in January 2021. India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated the weapon can be used as a personal weapon for heavy-weapon detachments, vehicle crews, drivers/despatch riders and radio/radar operators, in addition to troops engaged in counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations.
At the time, the projected cost of each machine pistol was pegged at approximately INR50,000 (US$685).
Additional carbines and pistols
Elsewhere, Bharat Forge secured a major Indian Army order in December 2025 for 255,128 CQB carbines (5.56x45mm). The INR16.62 billion (US$189 million) contract is to be completed by 2031.
The carbine chosen had been jointly developed by ARDE and Bharat Forge. Weighing 3.3kg, the weapon has a 30-round magazine and an effective range of 200m. It can fire both NATO-standard and Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) ammunition. India’s MoD had approved the procurement of 425,213 5.56x45mm carbines in 2022.
In the same month of December 2025, India also issued a request for information for 100,000 9mm pistols to be produced domestically. The new pistol will replace the long-serving 9mm Browning Hi-Power, which is produced under license in India at Ishapore.
Assault rifle developments
In February, India’s SSS Defence announced it had taken the decision to participate in the UK MoD’s Project Grayburn. The UK announced in January its intent to replace the SA80 family of rifles.
Project Grayburn will deliver five distinct variants, most likely based upon a common lower receiver. A dismounted close-combat rifle and another shortened version will replace the SA80A3, a personal defence weapon will replace the L22 carbine, while a generalist weapon will replace the SA80A2. A cadet rifle to replace the L98 Cadet GP will also be acquired.
Chambered for 5.56x45mm ammunition, SSS Defence’s M72 solution can be configured with different barrel lengths – 10.5, 12.5, 14.5 and 16 inches. The barrel with high-wear resistance is offered with a chrome plating or nitride finish.
The rifle’s ambidextrous controls include a multi-mode fire selector, charging handle and magazine catch. The M72 is also equipped with a drop-in trigger, an adjustable buttstock and Picatinny rails at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions.
Separately, India’s Ministry of Science and Technology is supporting the indigenously developed Ugram 7.62x51mm assault rifle through programme funding from the Technology Development Board.
This Ugram assault rifle, developed in partnership with ARDE, is tailored for counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations. The weapon employs a long-stroke piston mechanism, and all pressure-bearing parts use high-strength steel. The weapon incorporates a high-grade, nylon-based handguard, pistol grip and buttstock, along with ambidextrous controls and a side-mounted cocking handle.
Five Ugram prototypes concluded initial testing with ARDE in 2025.
by Mike Rajkumar
