The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a 5.56mm calibre modern sub-machine carbine (MSMC) for the Indian Army.

The carbine is a lightweight compact semi-automatic firearm similar to a rifle with a small barrel and fires rapidly and is suitable for close-quarter combat.

The Indian Army Special Forces currently uses Israeli-made Tavor and Uzi guns and the paramilitary forces use German-made MP-5 guns.

The MSMC, developed by DRDO’s Pune-based Armaments Research and Development Establishment, will undergo final field trials with the army in December 2009.