The final trials for the MSMC will take place in December this year. The MSMC is a lightweight compact automatic gun with a small barrel; unlike a rifle, it fires rapidly and is suitable for close quarter combats.

ARDE director Anil M Datar said that the ARDE is in the process of proving 99.7 per cent reliability for the 5.56 calibre MSMC which is effective to a maximum range of 200 metres.

The MSMC will be replacing the Russian 9mm-caliber carbine currently used by the Indian Army and paramilitary forces.

The MSMC is a part of the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) programme initiated in 1982 to provide an indigenous small arms weapons system for the Indian armed forces.

A rifle, a light machine gun (LMG) and a carbine were eventually designed as part of the INSAS family. However, the carbine failed to clear its test while the INSAS rifle and LMG were inducted for operational use.

The concept of a single ammunition system for all the three systems was the problem and the 5.56 ammunition proved to be too ‘heavy’ for the short range MSMC, giving a higher recoil and flash effect than was needed.

ARDE seems to have corrected the problem with a shorter length of the round, though of the same calibre.

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) indicates that the introduction of the soft-body armour made the erstwhile 9 mm carbine with the Indian Army ineffective.

This paved the way for the development of the 5.56 mm Modern Submachine Carbine (MSMC), and its ammunition, aimed at defeating enemy soldiers protected with soft-body armour at a range of 200 metres.

According to the DRDO scientists , the weapon is lightweight and compact and has proved highly accurate and reliable during user trials.

The ammunition for MSMC is of conventional type with the bullet cylindro-ogival for better ballistics as compared to a 9 mm round. A steel insert has been introduced in the tip of the bullet to achieve better penetration power and it enhances the ammunition performance to a level superior than that of its contemporaries.

The distinguishing features of the 5.56 mm MSMC includes a pistol grip, which allows single-hand firing capability, magazine feeding through pistol grip, a retractable butt for better stability while firing, ambidextrous cocking, fire selector to suit left and right hand firers and a three-point sling for better carrying and maneuverability.

The other technologies used in MSMC include a unique semi bull-pump weapon feed system behind the trigger mechanism, noise-reduction technology and the integration of laser spot designator on MSMC for close quarter battle.

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