Modern Sub Machine Carbine

Modern Sub Machine Carbine
A MSMC submachine gun on display. The weapon has a red dot sight on the upper receiver.
Type	Submachine gun
Place of origin	India
Production history
Designer	Armament Research and Development Establishment
Designed	2006
Manufacturer	OFT Trichy of OFB
No. built	Preproduction prototypes only
Specifications
Weight	2.98 kg empty
Length	500 mm closed stock / 700 mm open stock
Barrel length	300 mm
Cartridge	5.56×30mm MINSAS
Caliber	5.56mm
Action	Gas operated
Rate of fire	700–900 RPM
Effective firing range	200–300 m
Feed system	30-round grip-inserted box magazine
Sights	Picatinny rail built into upper receiver to allow placing on various day/night sights. Iron sights built into receiver.

The Modern Sub Machine Carbine (MSMC) is an Indian submachine gun designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment and manufactured by Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli of the Ordnance Factories Board. It is also known as Joint Venture Protective Carbine (JVPC) as of 2014. It was developed for the Indian Army, based on previous experience from the INSAS family of firearms. The gun is very lightweight and compact compared to other Indian-designed weapons. It is chambered for the 5.56×30mm MINSAS cartridge.

The MSMC was designed after the Indian Army's disappointment with the progress of a carbine version of the INSAS rifle. A variant called Excalibur was developed, but did not meet the requirements. The MSMC was designed to rectify the shortcomings of the previous developments. Through various trials and improvements, the ARDE came out with a grip-feeding, Uzi-like design that shortened the length of the weapon, making it more suitable for CQC purposes. Later its ergonomics were improved, boosting its export potential. The weapon is said to be capable of penetrating bullet-proof jackets. It was created as an offshoot of the INSAS small arms program.

The MSMC originates from a project to develop a carbine weapon based on the INSAS rifle. An INSAS carbine did not materialize, however, as the powerful rounds used in the INSAS rifle created excessive recoil for the smaller carbine. It was decided to develop a new lightweight carbine that can fit the requirement of various Indian security forces. In 2002, the plan to create an INSAS carbine was discared and instead, the Indian Army issued a General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) for a new submachine gun. The first trial was held in June 2006, another in late 2007 and finally one in January 2009. The MSMC was showcased during the defense exhibition Defexpo 2010. The weapon underwent further trials between April and June 2010. Among its major competitors is the IMI Tavor TAR-21, which is in service with some Indian special forces units including the MARCOS and the Garud Commando Force.