In a significant enhancement to its arsenal, the Indian Army has officially inducted 550 units of the Asmi 9×19 mm sub-machine gun (SMG), a weapon designed for versatility in close-quarters combat. This development, reported by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI), marks a substantial step in modernizing the army’s weaponry. The Asmi SMGs are currently being deployed within the Indian Army’s Northern Command, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding the strategic regions bordering Pakistan and China.

The Asmi sub-machine gun is a collaborative creation between the Indian Army and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aimed at meeting the specific needs of military and paramilitary forces. The rifle’s design has received commendation for its robust, compact, and dependable structure, making it particularly effective in specialized operations where close-quarter battle capabilities are paramount. The firearm’s unique semi-bullpup configuration allows for efficient single-handed operation, adapting seamlessly to both pistol and sub-machine gun functionalities.

Development efforts for the Asmi SMG were first announced by DRDO in January 2021, highlighting the Indian government’s commitment to indigenization in defense technology. According to the latest reports from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the production cost of each Asmi unit remains economical, priced under INR 50,000 (approximately USD 593). The PIB articulated that the Asmi SMG is tailored for diverse roles including those of heavy weapon detachments, field commanders, tank and aircraft crews, drivers and dispatch riders, as well as operators of radio and radar systems. The weapon’s design also emphasizes its utility in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism missions, enhancing the operational efficiency of the Indian armed forces.

The Asmi is described as a ‘machine pistol’ that fires standard 9 mm ammunition. Notably, it features an innovative construction, with the upper receiver crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum and the lower receiver made from carbon fiber. This advanced manufacturing approach includes a 3D printing process for the creation of several components, such as trigger elements, reflecting modern techniques in weapon development.

The induction of the Asmi SMG is expected to bolster the Indian Army’s capabilities, particularly in high-stakes scenarios requiring effective engagement in confined spaces, thereby aligning with the broader strategic objectives of national defense in volatile border regions.

A two-week military exercise aimed at enhancing defense cooperation between Australia and India is set to commence on November 8 in Aundh, near Pune. The Southern Command of the Indian Army has officially announced the third edition of the joint military exercise, called ‘Austrahind,’ which will take place at the Foreign Training Node in Pune.

The primary objective of Exercise Austrahind is to strengthen the interoperability between the Indian Army and the Australian Army in conducting sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate. The exercise reflects growing defense ties between the two nations, which have been increasingly collaborating in maritime and regional security matters.

In a recent statement, the Australian Defence Ministry provided additional context for the exercise, revealing that military drills will be complemented by cultural exchanges, including a game of cricket. Brigadier Amanda Williamson, the Commander of the 13th Brigade of Australia, emphasized the significance of this event, highlighting it as an opportunity for Australia and India to exchange skills and strategies amidst a complex regional landscape.

Brigadier Williamson noted that the collaboration between the 10th Light Horse Regiment of Australia and the Indian Army’s Dogra Regiment would be particularly meaningful, allowing these historic units to share their experiences and enhance their operational capabilities. She mentioned that, while some activities—including traditional dancing, military horse riding, and a ceremonial banquet—might be unfamiliar to Australian soldiers, the cricket match would serve as a more relatable cultural connection.

Highlighting the importance of their partnership, Brigadier Williamson stated, “Australia and India are top-tier security partners. We’re strengthening our defense cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.” The exercise aims to expand the complexity and scope of joint military activities and seeks innovative approaches to tackle shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Australian Defence Ministry also pointed out that the troops would benefit from immersive experiences in the military culture of India, a vital security partner. The partnership between Australia and India is framed within their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which aims to foster an open, secure, and prosperous environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

This latest exercise comes on the heels of India’s participation in training events hosted by Australia, underscoring the ongoing commitment to bilateral defense initiatives. Last year, the Indian Army was hosted in Western Australia, setting a precedent for future engagements and further solidifying military ties between the two countries.

In a significant operation on Tuesday, the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Manipur Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), successfully recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition from the Churachandpur district of Manipur, a region that has been severely affected by ongoing violence. Acting on specific intelligence reports, the joint security team conducted a search in the Thanjing Ridge area, where they made critical discoveries, including two eight-foot rockets, two seven-foot rockets, two large mortars, locally referred to as ‘pompi,’ a medium-sized mortar, and a notable amount of additional ammunition.

This recovery comes on the heels of a series of arrests made by the Manipur Police, which took place earlier in the week. Eight members of the banned insurgent group, the United Liberation Front of Manipur (Pambei), were apprehended. Authorities reported that these insurgents had been actively involved in threatening civilians and obstructing crucial land demarcation efforts in the region. During the arrests, law enforcement officials were able to seize an array of weapons, including three AK-47 rifles, two AK-56 rifles, one M-16 rifle, one 9mm pistol, a substantial amount of live ammunition, along with various mobile phones and vehicles.

In addition to these arrests, security forces earlier discovered four rockets and a stash of explosives in the same district on October 31. Among the items seized were improvised mortar bombs, country-made grenades, and a radio set, all further indicating the level of armament present in this volatile area.

These operations are occurring against the backdrop of ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has escalated significantly since May 2023. The conflict primarily involves clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which erupted following a tribal solidarity march aimed at protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. This ongoing strife has led to widespread unrest, marked by frequent and violent confrontations between insurgent groups and security forces.

The recent seizure of weapons illustrates the increasing severity of the turmoil in Manipur as authorities strive to maintain order and prevent the situation from worsening. The operations conducted by the joint security forces reflect a concerted effort to dismantle the arms supply in the region, as they work to stabilize an area engulfed in conflict.

In a significant move for enhancing connectivity in challenging terrains, Bharti Airtel has officially launched its 4G network in the Galwan Valley and Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), marking a notable achievement as these locations are the northernmost military outpost in the border town of Ladakh. This launch positions Airtel as the only private telecom service provider to deliver mobile services at an elevation of 16,700 feet above sea level.

Galwan and DBO are strategically situated in the Ladakh region, adjacent to the Indo-China border and nestled in the northeastern part of the Karakoram Range. This geographic significance adds to the importance of reliable communication in the area, especially given the historical tensions in the region.

The telecom giant, which boasts a market cap of ₹9.56 lakh crore, collaborated closely with the Indian Army to execute this ambitious project. Bharti Airtel has successfully installed 17 mobile towers in areas including Kargil, Siachen, Galwan, DBO, and the Changthang regions. This extensive deployment aims to extend reliable connectivity to remote villages throughout Ladakh, thus significantly enhancing communication infrastructure in one of India’s most challenging yet strategically important regions.

The successful implementation of this project was made possible by Airtel’s partnership with the Leh Signallers, who assisted in overcoming the numerous logistical challenges posed by the harsh terrain and high altitude. The company stated that by bringing its 4G network to such remote locations, it not only meets the immediate communication needs of military personnel and civilians but also contributes to the larger goal of improving digital connectivity in the region.

This development places Bharti Airtel in direct competition with other major telecom players like Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio and Kumar Birla’s Vodafone Idea. As India’s largest mobile phone operator, Airtel is consistently striving to expand its network coverage and improve service quality across the country, including in remote and challenging environments.

The launch has been welcomed by residents and military personnel alike, as it enhances their ability to communicate effectively, ensuring both safety and connectivity in high-altitude regions where traditional infrastructure is often lacking.

The vibrant and much-anticipated Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) will kick off on November 8, 2023, in New Delhi, with a focus on bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders interested in India’s national security, military history, and heritage. The event, scheduled to last for two days, aims to foster discussions and collaborations among think tanks, corporations, non-profits, academicians, and industry leaders.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, along with the three Service Chiefs, will inaugurate the festival. A significant highlight of this year’s event will be the launch of Project “Shaurya Gatha,” an initiative led by the Department of Military Affairs in collaboration with the United Services Institution (USI) of India. This project aims to preserve and promote India’s military heritage through education and tourism, showcasing the rich history and cultural significance of the Indian Armed Forces.

Throughout the festival, a range of prominent publications on military topics will be released, spotlighting works such as “Because of This: A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971” by retired Air Marshal Vikram Singh, “Valour and Honour,” a joint publication by the Indian Army and USI of India, and “Silent Weapons, Deadly Secrets: Unveiling the Bioweapons Arms Race,” edited by retired Lt General Vinod Khandare, among others.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will also take part by presenting a photo exhibition that highlights its contributions to the concept of Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, through innovations in defense research. The festival will aim to engage the youth, with active participation from National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and students from various schools and colleges across the Delhi NCR region. Informative stalls representing the three Services will provide insights into career opportunities within the armed forces, inspiring young attendees to consider a future in military service.

The event receives support from several key government bodies, including the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Military Affairs, the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, DRDO, as well as the local governments of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, the Ministry of Culture, and even the British High Commission.

The inaugural edition of the IMHF, held on October 21-22, 2023, at the Manekshaw Centre, successfully showcased India’s military culture through lively performances by military bands and informative exhibits that highlighted the various facets of the armed forces.

For more information on the festival, interested individuals can visit the official website: indianmilitaryheritagefestival.in.