Kerala Police will procure 120 submachine guns at a cost of ₹2.52 crore, primarily for VIP security, counter-terror operations, and law-and-order duties. Each weapon costs ₹2.1 lakh and is capable of firing 600–1,200 rounds per minute, reported regional daily Kerala Kumudi.
The submachine guns for Kerala Police will be supplied by reputed manufacturers and authorized dealers through a tender process. Likely providers include the Ordnance Factory in Tiruchirappalli (in collaboration with DRDO), Advanced Weapons and Equipment India, and joint ventures such as Larsen & Toubro, Kalyani Strategic Systems, and PLR Systems with Israeli partners.
Kerala Police to Procure Submachine Guns
Key Details
- Procurement Size: 120 submachine guns
- Cost: ₹2.52 crore (₹2.1 lakh per gun)
- Purpose: VIP security, escort duties, counter-terror operations, Maoist operations, and emergency law-and-order situations
- Additional Purchases: 100 automatic pistols and 155 Glock pistols approved by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
- Tender Reference: KPET/23/2026/PHQ, floated in August 2026
Weapon Specifications
- Rate of Fire: 600–1,200 rounds per minute (up to 20 rounds per second)
- Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds
- Modes: Single-shot, semi-automatic, and fully automatic
- Ammunition: 9mm rounds (same as pistols)
- Design: Compact, lightweight, easy to carry, suitable for urban operations and firing from vehicles
Manufacturing Sources
- Ordnance Factory, Tiruchirappalli (with DRDO collaboration)
- Advanced Weapons and Equipment India
- Joint Ventures: Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Kalyani Strategic Systems, PLR Systems (with Israeli partners)
Procurement Process
| Tender ID | Opening Date | Closing Date | Tender Value | EMD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KPET/23/2026/PHQ | Aug 7, 2026 | Aug 21, 2026 | ₹2.52 crore | ₹2,52,070 |
Strategic Implications
- Enhanced Security: Modern weapons will strengthen Kerala Police’s ability to respond to terrorist threats and Maoist insurgency.
- Urban Readiness: Compact SMGs are ideal for crowded environments, building searches, and VIP protection.
- Modernisation Drive: Part of broader police modernisation funded by central assistance.
Risks & Considerations
- Training Needs: Effective use requires intensive training to prevent misuse in civilian areas.
- Public Concerns: Deployment of high-firepower weapons in urban settings may raise safety and civil rights debates.
- Maintenance: Dependence on OEMs and service centres in Kerala/South India for upkeep.
IndianWeb2.com is an independent digital media platform for business, entrepreneurship, science, technology, startups, gadgets and climate change news & reviews.
