On the 14th of January 2021, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Army showed off the first indigenous 9mm PDW, the ASMI, at the Indian Army’s innovation display even. The ASMI is intended to replace the locally produced copy of the Sterling SMG.

At first glance, the design is inspired by the Heckler & Koch MP7 with a lower that seems like to be inspired by the IWI UZI machine pistol, the ASMI uses the 9x19mm Parabellum that is fed by the a 33-round Glock Magazine. Using 3D Printing for rapid prototyping, lead designer Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Bansod took four months from the drawing board to producing a working prototype.  The research and development was done at the Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).

The ASMI takes advantage that the 9x19mm Parabellum is much in use in the Indian Army with a variety of 9mm pistols such as the Glock 17, SIG P226, Beretta M92FS, and the Pistol Auto 9mm 1A. The materials used as aluminum for the upper receiver and carbon fiber for the lower. The barrel has total length of 8 inches. A full length Picatinny rail comprises its top with M-LOK for the sides for easy mounting of weapons accessories such as optics, weaponlights and other aiming devices. Weight is around 1.7kg to 2kg when empty and 3kg when a fresh magazine is loaded.

It is a straight blowback weapon, like the UZI with the magazine loaded through the pistol grip, which is typical in machine pistols like the UZI, MP7 and the MP9. It has side folding stock that allows it to be easily stowed away or carried inside vehicles or for close-in VIP protection. It will be primarily used for Close Quarters Combat, heavy weapons teams and for vehicle crews.

The Week India says it will be produced at Rs 50,000 per unit, or US$685.00. India Today has a video report taken when it was announced last January.

The Indian Army has not announced yet if they will fully adopt the ASMI as it is still in the prototype stage and will be subjected to rigorous testing. India Today has a video report taken when it was announced last January.

Below is the official press release from India's Ministry of Defence.

India’s First Indigenously Developed 9mm Machine Pistol

India’s first indigenous 9mm Machine Pistol has been jointly developed by DRDO and Indian Army. Infantry School, Mhow and DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune have designed and developed this weapon using their respective expertise in the complementary areas. The weapon has been developed in a record time of four months. The Machine Pistol fires the in-service 9mm ammunition and sports an upper receiver made from aircraft grade Aluminium and lower receiver from carbon fibre. 3D Printing process has been used in designing and prototyping of various parts including trigger components made by metal 3D printing.

The weapon has huge potential in Armed forces as personal weapon for heavy weapon detachments, commanders, tank and aircraft crews, drivers/dispatch riders, radio/radar operators, Closed Quarter Battle, counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations etc. This is also likely to find huge employability with the central and state police organizations as well as VIP protection duties and Policing. The Machine Pistol is likely to have production cost under rupees 50000 each and has potential for exports.

The weapon is aptly named “Asmi” meaning “Pride”, “Self-Respect" & “Hard Work”.

Keeping the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmnirbhar Bharat in view, this small step will pave way for self reliance and it is expected that the Services and Paramilitary Forces (PMFs) will induct this expeditiously.

All photos from the DRDO.