Army eyes new 9mm pistols; Ministry of Defence invites bids from Indian firms

The Ministry of Defence today asked Indian industry to provide options for an indigenous 9mm pistol suited to the changing nature of threats.

The MoD seeks to procure 1 lakh such pistols and has issued a request for information (RFI) to identify capable vendors. It requires a 9mm pistol with accessories like night sights and targeting options.

The MoD is addressing the Army’s future needs with a weapon to replace the existing 9mm semi-automatic, magazine-fed pistol from Rifle Factory Ishapore, used for close-range enemy engagement.

The Army wants new 9mm pistols featuring ambidextrous controls, suppressors and accessory rails to modernise older weapons.

While the Army’s special forces currently use imported 9mm pistols, they are shifting to advanced indigenous solutions.

The DRDO and Indian Army have already designed a 9mm weapon for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, incorporating 3D-printed parts and a high rate of fire.

Today’s MoD RFI emphasises a ‘Make in India’ weapon and parts. The pistol must operate across terrains, from hot deserts along India’s western borders to extreme winters above 18,000 feet in the Himalayas.

It should function day and night in common weather conditions across all terrains.

Accessories like night sights must operate from desert heat to extreme cold.

The MoD requires a modular design for future upgrades via simple modifications, without structural changes. It should also allow accessory integration without affecting performance.