The Indian Army has initiated a major small-arms modernisation drive with plans to induct one lakh indigenous 9-mm pistols, significantly strengthening its close-quarters combat capability across infantry units.
Aligned with the government’s Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, the Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify capable domestic manufacturers. The move marks a decisive step toward replacing legacy sidearms and standardising modern pistols across formations.
Designed for urban warfare, counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, the new pistols will be lightweight and agile, enabling rapid response in confined and built-up areas. The specification includes night sights and advanced targeting options to ensure effectiveness across varied operational scenarios.
A key objective of the programme is to phase out the existing 9-mm semi-automatic pistols currently produced by Rifle Factory Ishapore. The incoming models will feature ambidextrous controls, suppressor compatibility and accessory rails, representing a substantial upgrade over legacy systems. While special forces currently employ imported pistols, this induction aims to equip the wider infantry with a common, superior platform.
The RFI also seeks provisions for future modernisation, including design scalability and Transfer of Technology (ToT). Following procurement, the Army plans licensed production of pistols and accessories, reducing import dependence and deepening the domestic defence ecosystem.
Operational reliability remains central to the requirement. The pistols must perform flawlessly across plains, deserts and high-altitude regions up to 18,000 feet, operating day and night in temperatures ranging from –30°C to +55°C. Modularity is mandatory, allowing upgrades through simple modifications without major redesigns.
The pistol induction complements broader infantry upgrades already underway. After the rollout of Light Machine Guns and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines, Israel Weapon Industries has confirmed delivery of the first batch of 40,000 LMGs early next year. Additionally, a major CQB carbine contract—part of the Army’s requirement for 4.25 lakh 5.56×45 mm carbines under Buy (Indian)—is nearing finalisation, with Bharat Forge as the primary bidder and PLR Systems of the Adani Group partnering to supply a significant share.
Meanwhile, the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Army have already developed an indigenous 9-mm weapon for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism roles, featuring innovative 3D-printed components—a signal of the growing maturity of India’s defence R&D base.
Strategically, the one-lakh pistol programme underscores India’s commitment to indigenisation amid evolving border and internal security challenges. By replacing outdated sidearms with modular, terrain-agnostic pistols, the Indian Army enhances its tactical edge while laying the foundation for sustained self-reliance—and potential defence exports—in the years ahead.
