Lokesh Machines Limited has successfully delivered the first major order for its 9×19 mm submachine gun (SMG) Asmi, India’s first submachine gun developed in-house by the private sector, to the Indian Army’s Northern Command.
Asmi weighs less than 2.4 kg and is 10-15% lighter than its international competitors.
M Srinivas, director of Lokesh Machines, stated that Asmi, short for Asmita, which means pride in Sanskrit, won the order over internationally renowned SMGs such as the Uzi manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) and the German firearms manufacturer Heckler & Koch’s MP5.
The order for 550 SMGs to the Indian Army was executed on time and in full, the company said, adding that this was a significant achievement because it was the first time that a private 100%
Maj Gen Rakesh Manocha SM, VSM, GOC Telangana and Andhra Sub Area flagged off the consignment today, September 30th, 2024. The event was also attended by the Commandants of the AOC, EME, and Artillery Centres, as well as officers from their respective establishments.
Lokesh Machines, a Hyderabad-based CNC machine manufacturer, has made its first foray into small arms manufacturing with Asmi, which was developed based on the basic design provided by Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, and the Indian Army.
