An Indian designed, developed and manufactured submachine gun named for the late defence minister Manohar Parrikar has beat foreign competition in an order to supply submachine guns to the elite National Security Guards’ (NSG).

The G-72 named for Parrikar’s middle name Gopalkrishna, beat several Indian and foreign competitors to emerge lowest bidder after technical and financial evaluation in a contract to supply 500 9mm carbines to the NSG.

The NSG trials were held in November. The order is significant as it signals the end of the virtual monopoly the German-made MP5 had on Indian special units.

“Earlier they had German Shepherds, and now they are coming back to Indian desi hounds,” CEO of SSS Defence, Vivek Krishnan, told Chakra News. 

The iconic German Made H&K Machine Pistole- 5 chambered for the 9x19 Parabellum cartridge was first inducted into service in R&AW’s covert unit, the Special Group, in 1982. It was then adopted by the NSG set up in 1984 and later the Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos in 1986. Since then it was adopted by other SWAT teams like the Delhi Police SWAT team, Maharashtra Police Force One, Kerala Police Thunderbolt commandos, Octopus commandos of Andhra Pradesh Police, Punjab Police SWAT Team, and the Gujarat Police. 

Commandos of the Special Group (SG) with their MP5s in 1982. The SG was the first Indian user of the MP5.

But these imports came at a cost. Beginning from 2010, Germany imposed import restrictions on sales of the MP5 to Indian police and paramilitary units operating under the MHA. These restrictions were over concerns of possible human rights violations in India. These restrictions, driven by internal German politics, made it difficult for the MHA to import spares and maintain its inventory of MP5s. The German import restrictions were only lifted in April 2024. 

The G72 has a roller-delayed blowback system that ensures accuracy and control in full-auto fire. It can be configured for different barrel lengths - 8.7” and a compact version, based on mission criteria. The G-72 SMG has three firing modes, which are Safe, Semi-Automatic, and Full Auto. It has a rate of fire of 950 rounds per minute, and the barrel can also be offered with a chrome plating or nitride finish to the bore. 

The ambidextrous selector doubles as a safety lever, and the side-folding stock locks securely in both positions. The free-floating hand guard design aids heat dissipation, protecting the user’s hands. With Integral Rails at 12 & 6, M-LOK Rails at 3 & 9 positions, the G72 supports various accessories like sights, lasers, and grips. Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminium and high-strength steel alloys, it’s both lightweight and durable. Integral backup sights and a muzzle brake come standard, with the threaded muzzle allowing for easy suppressor attachment.

The NSG is India’s federal counter-terrorism unit operating under the Home Ministry. It has two components, the Special Action Group composed entirely of army officers on deputation and the Special Ranger Group drawn from the police and paramilitary. 

Following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the Indian government launched a massive modernization program. The NSG requested additional MP5s in 2009, and 3,350 units were procured in 2010.

The NSG uses three MP5 variants the Standard variant featuring a retractable stock and a 3-round burst trigger group, often equipped with Zeiss RDS (Red Dot Sights), MP5SD3 known as the "Schalldämpfer" or suppressed variant, featuring an integrated silencer for stealth operations and MP5K-A4: A compact, shortened "Kurz" version used for personal defence or by personnel requiring high mobility (PDW).

Arjun Dev Singh

Arjun Dev Singh has a deep interest in defence, security, and strategic affairs. With a strong analytical lens and a passion for military and geopolitical developments, Arjun strives to bring clarity and context to complex national and international issues.