📍New Delhi / Kolkata | 26 Mar, 2026, 5:52 PM
Asmi Machine Pistol: Officers working towards promoting indigenous technology in Indian Army are awarded Col Prasad Bansod. The Army Commander of Eastern Command Lieutenant General RC Tiwari has honoured the Col Prasad Bansod with the citation. This honour has been given to them for their significant contribution to the development of the ‘Asmi’ sub-machine gun (SMG).
Asmi Machine Pistol: ‘Asmi’ machine is behind the pistol Col Bansod
‘AuntyThe name is derived from Sanskrit, which means self-esteem and pride. Karnal Prasad Bansod has played an important role in the design of Indian Army’s indigenous machine Pistol ‘Asmi’. This is a 9mm machine pistol, specially designed for closest battles like the Close Quarter Battle. The design of this weapon is fully prepared in India and has taken into account the needs of the Army.
‘Asmi’ is a fully indigenous weapon and is being produced in India. It is made up of Hyderabad company Lokesh Machines Limited. This is the first time a private company has supplied such indigenous submachine gun to the Indian Army.
Light, compact and easy to use
The design and development of ‘Asmi’ began in the year 2020. Then Lt. Col Prasad Bansod prepared in a very short time. He completed it in about four months. In this project he worked closely with DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Assessment, Pune.
Col Bansod had already experienced weapon design. He INSAS Recognizing the rifle and changing it in a new way, it was also done to create a bulop carbine. He used this experience in preparing ‘Asmi’. He took into account the feedback from the soldiers while making this weapon. In particular, it is lighter, without jamming, and easily maintained.
Lt Gen RC Tiwari, ArmyCdrEC Award the GOC-in-C, #EasternCommand Commendation Card to Col Prasad Bansod for his outstanding contribution towards innovation. He played a key role in designing the foundation developed ‘Asmi’ machine Pistol, showcasing... pic.twitter.com/CoZb6vfKFi
— © 2016-2017 hidingnet.com March 26, 2020
3D printing technology was also extensively used in the development of this weapon. It could quickly prepare the prototype, that is, the initial model and the necessary changes were made easily.
‘Asmi’ was publicly shown in 2021 for the first time. It was then also featured in large events like International Police Expo and Defoxpo in 2022. It is a fully indigenous weapon, considered a strong example of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The above part in its manufacture is made from aircraft grade aluminum, while the bottom part is prepared from carbon fiber to keep light and strong. Pistol Machine
Asmi's merits
The weight of the machine pistol is between 2 kg. This is why it is considered lighter than its international counterpart arms by about 10 to 15 percent. It uses standard 9×19 mm parabellum cartridge, already being used in Indian forces. The firing rate of ‘Asmi’ is about 600 rounds per minute and can effectively distinguish the target by about 100 meters. Its magazine capacity is 33 rounds and can also be used with Glock Magazine.
The barrel length of the arms is about 8 inches in the original version i.e. about 203 mm, while in the new variant it has been increased to 9 inches. ‘Asmi’ is known for its jamming-free capacity. During the tests it has shown the ability to fire 3000 rounds continuously. Pistol Machine
Supply of Indian Army
Hyderabad Company in 2024 Lokesh Machines Limited acquired the Indian Army Contract for Supply of ‘Asmi’ Machine Pistol. After which he got an order to create and deliver 550 units. This order was about Rs 4.26 crore. The company then handed over all 550 ‘Asmi’ machine Pistols Indian Army by October 2024 while completing the work within the fixed time.
These weapons were mainly included in the Norden command, which handles the responsibility of sensitive areas such as Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Here the closest quarter of Combat is the need for the nearest battle, so light and compact weapons like ‘Asmi’ are considered quite useful. Pistol Machine
These weapons were also given units like para special forceage after delivery, where fast and accurate action is needed. In February 2026, Assam Rifles also ordered 1,013 ‘Asmi’ Carbin to Lokesh Machines Ltd. The delivery of these is to be completed within 90 days. Assam rifles are deployed in North Eastern states where this weapon will be used to replace old carbines.
Also in March 2026, the Armed Border Force i.e. SSB has also ordered about Rs 9.5 crore, including the supply of ‘Asmi’ submachine guns. Also agencies like State Police Force, National Security Guard and Border Security Force are also showing interest in it. Pistol Machine
