Hyderabad’s Lokesh Machines makes mark with ‘ASMI’ submachine gun, secures major Army order
Hyderabad: A Hyderabad-based small arms manufacturing company has achieved a significant milestone through the introduction of its debut 9x19mm caliber submachine gun, ‘ASMI’. This accomplishment signals the launch of an indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured weapon to be incorporated into the military arsenal.
Lokesh Machines Ltd, a leading manufacturer of CNC machines, has secured an order for 550 ASMI submachine guns (SMGs) valued at Rs 4.2 crore from the Northern Command of the Army.
The Army is not the only organization interested in ASMI. It has already delivered pilot lots of 10 guns each to NSG, which is testing it, and to Assam Rifles, which has cleared the gun for further induction. It has also received a pilot order for four guns from the Border Security Force (BSF). The Army order has to be fulfilled by September 28.
Its main advantage is that it can use both locally produced ammunition and imported NATO standard ammunition.
India’s ASMI outperforms global firearms
The firm received the basic design from the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, and further developed and manufactured it at its factory in Toopran, producing 12,000 units per annum on the city outskirts.
ASMI, also known as Asmita, meaning “pride” in Sanskrit, has been reported to have outperformed internationally renowned firearms such as “Uzi” from Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) and Heckler & Koch’s MP5, as stated by company director M Srinivas.
“ASMI was competing globally in terms of accuracy and reliability, and it outperformed its competitors. Designing, developing, and manufacturing a weapon in less than three years is a significant achievement, especially for someone with no background in weapon manufacturing,” he said.
The firearm’s development took approximately six months, with the licensing processes for manufacturing proving to be more time-consuming. The ASMI features a single unibody receiver crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, weighing under 2.4 kg, giving it a 10-15% weight advantage over its international counterparts. Furthermore, it offers a cost advantage, being nearly 30% more affordable at under Rs 1 lakh compared to imported models priced at over Rs 1 lakh.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
