The Indian Army will, in all eventuality, induct a new modern submachine carbine (MSMC), following final trials scheduled for December 2009. The carbine has been developed by Pune-based Armaments Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).

The 5.56mm caliber MSMC will replace the Russian 9mm-caliber carbine currently used by the Indian Army and paramilitary forces.

According to ARDE director Anil M Datar, the organisation is in the process of proving 99.7 per cent reliability for the MSMC, which is effective to a maximum range of 200 metres.

The MSMC was originally 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, but even as the INSAS rifle and LMG were inducted for operational use, the carbine failed to pass muster.

The problem lay with the concept of using the same ammunition for all three weapon systems. The 5.56 ammunition proved to be too 'heavy' for the short range MSMC, giving a higher recoil and flash effect than was desirable. This has now been rectified with a shorter length of the round, though of the same calibre.

The INSAS rifle and LMG was severely tested during the Kargil War and found wanting in reliability. Based on battlefield experiences the ARDE developed the INSAS-1B1.

The first trial of the MSMC prototype was held in 2006 and the last one in January 2009.
 
The Modern Submachine Carbine (MSMC)
According to DRDO, introduction of soft-body armour rendered the erstwhile 9 mm carbine, which was operational with the Indian Army, ineffective. This led to 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 m.

DRDO says the 5.56 mm MSMC is unique in its category with some unique features:

• a pistol grip, which allows single-hand firing capability;
• magazine feeding through pistol grip;
• 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 manoeuvrability.

According to the DRDO, the weapon is lightweight, compact, robust 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.

The performance of this ammunition, in respect of remaining energy at various ranges, vis-à-vis contemporary ammunitions developed in the world, is better.

Low power ammunition technology in the 5.56 mm caliber has been developed for the first time in India.

According to the DRDO, technologies developed for the MSMC include:

• a unique semi bull-pup weapon feed system behind the trigger mechanism,
• retention of butt, fitted in housing configuration, evolved and tested to user satisfaction;
• noise-reduction technology using CFD analysis for development of silencers;
• molding of high-strength engineering plastic to manufacture components with integral features;
• reflex sight and passive night sight;
• and integration of laser spot designator on MSMC for close quarter battle.