In a significant development, Adani Defence and Aerospace, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, is set to supply Israeli-manufactured Masada 9mm pistols to the Indian Army.
To facilitate this supply, the Adani Group will establish a manufacturing unit in Kanpur, aligning with the Indian government’s “Make in India” campaign.
Agreement between the IWI and the Adani Group
The Adani Group has inked an agreement with an Israeli arms manufacturing company Israeli Weapon Industries (IWI) to secure the supply of these pistols. Alongside the Masada pistols, the Adani Group is committed to producing 41 different types of weapons in Kanpur, all destined for the Indian Army. The manufacturing facility is poised to commence operations in the Sadh area of Kanpur, spanning several acres, with production anticipated to begin by November.
This strategic move is part of the Indian government’s broader initiative to promote domestic defense production, bolstered by the upcoming defense corridor in Uttar Pradesh. It highlights the growing role of private players like the Adani Group in contributing to India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The Masada pistol is a renowned Israeli 9mm firearm, manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries. In India, the pistol’s production was originally undertaken by PLR Systems, a joint venture with IWI, and has now been acquired by the Adani Group. According to Adani Defence and Aerospace, the Masada pistol is characterized by its striker-fired mechanism, cold-hammer-forged polygonal rifled barrel, and a crisp trigger reset with built-in trigger safety.
Notably, the Masada pistol boasts a low barrel axis, reducing perceived recoil, and is capable of firing 17 rounds in a single burst with an impressive firing range of up to 400 meters. This development reflects a significant stride in advancing domestic defense manufacturing capabilities in India.
