INSAS MSMC
Summary
| Country | 🇮🇳 India |
| Category | Submachine gun |
| Manufacturer | INSAS |
Technical specifications
| INSAS MSMC | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 30 mm |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | mm ( in) |
| Weight | kg ( lb) |
| Range | 200 m (656 ft) |
Description
The Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC), initially known as the Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC) until 2014, emerged from the INSAS small arms program, with development starting in 2010. It was conceived to replace the 9mm Sterling submachine gun within the Indian Armed Forces. An earlier INSAS-based carbine was rejected in the early 2000s due to high recoil from its 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge. A new General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) for a submachine carbine led to the development of the Amogh carbine and MSMC by OFB and ARDE, both chambered for the 5.56×30mm MINSAS cartridge. After initial trials of both prototypes in 2006, 2007, and 2009 failed to meet requirements, DRDO's ARDE lab and OFB collaborated to refine the MSMC design, resulting in the JVPC. Prototypes underwent Army user trials from 2016 to 2021, including tests in extreme conditions.
The MSMC/JVPC is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, select-fire carbine designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). It is manufactured by Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited. Chambered for the 5.56×30mm MINSAS cartridge, the carbine has an overall length of 552 mm with the stock collapsed and 745 mm when extended. It features a 300 mm barrel and an effective range of 200 to 300 meters. The design includes:
-
A pistol grip with a magazine well for a 30-round magazine
-
An ambidextrous fire selector
-
MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails for accessories
Prototype upper receivers were made of stamped metal, while production models use metal injection molding; the lower receiver is mostly polymer. It accommodates barrel attachments like suppressors and bayonets. The carbine has a firing rate of 800–900 rounds per minute, a gas-operated rotating bolt mechanism, and a muzzle velocity of 650 meters per second.
The JVPC passed user trials conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Army, with final trials completed in December 2020. Testing included accuracy and reliability assessments in extreme weather conditions. In 2017, the weapon was accepted for service induction into the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Paramilitary forces, and Police forces under the Ministry of Home Affairs. AWEIL's 2021-2022 Annual Report indicated that approximately 6,000 JVPCs had been supplied. The JVPC is being procured for the CAPF and State Police Forces.
The JVPC is in service with the Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Chhattisgarh Police, and Delhi Police. The Special Protection Group cleared user trials for the JVPC in December 2019. The Indian Army also cleared the GSQR, clearing the way for its induction.