PLR-made 9-mm pistol (Photo: Special Arrangement)
New Delhi: The Indian Army has initiated the process to procure 9-mm pistols to equip its personnel to engage the enemy from close ranges.
Two days back, the defence ministry issued a request for information for the procurement of one lakh 9-mm pistols for the Indian Army. The development takes place following the induction of Light Machine Guns (LMGs) and the Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines.
Read also: ‘Asmi’ -- All you need to know about DRDO-Indian Army developed 9mm machine pistol
The new procurement will be under the 'Make-in-India' and Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliance initiative in the defence sector.
As per the RFI, the procurement of the pistols will be along with accessories, including night sights and targeting options.
The pistols, as they are lighter and easy for swift action and manoeuvre, play a significant role in close combat situations or urban warfare, including counter insurgency and counter terrorism, in the built-up areas.
The plan is to replace the existing 9mm semi-automatic, magazine-fed pistol from Rifle Factory Ishapore with those to be procured in future.
The new pistols are expected to feature ambidextrous controls, suppressors and accessory rails to modernise older weapons.
As of now, the troops in special force units of the Indian Army use imported 9-mm pistols.
The RFI seeks information from the suppliers/manufacturers with a provision for future modernisation design and the transfer of technology (ToT).
These personal weapons will be used by the troops deployed in all terrains: plains, desert and high-altitude (upto 18000 feet) mountainous terrain and associated environmental conditions.
The plan is to initiate licensed production of the pistols along with accessories after acquiring the Transfer of Technology (if applicable).
The DRDO and Indian Army have already designed a 9-mm weapon for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, incorporating 3D-printed parts and a high rate of fire.
Read also: Indian Army inducts 550 ‘Asmi’ machine pistols from Lokesh Machines sanctioned by US
As per the RFI, the 9-mm pistol should function day and night in common weather conditions across all terrains. It should also be operational in temperature conditions ranging from (-) 30 to 55 Celsius.
As far as the design concept is concerned, the RFI stated that the pistol must be modular in design for future upgrades through simple modifications, not leading to design or structural change.
The Indian Army's infantry will receive a significant firepower boost beginning early next year, with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) confirming the delivery of the first batch of 40,000 light machine guns (LMGs).
The supply contract was signed last year.
IWI is also in the final stages of securing another major contract to supply nearly 1.7 lakh new-age Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines, part of the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) requirement of 4.25 lakh 5.56x45 mm carbines under the 'Buy (Indian)' category.
While Bharat Forge is the primary bidder, PLR Systems-an Adani Group subsidiary with IWI partnership-will supply 40 per cent of the carbines.
