The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) has awarded a contract for 1,228 CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 submachine guns to Vinveli Automated Systems Private Limited. Valued at ₹87.9 million, the contract highlights the preference for the Czech weapon over India’s locally developed ASMI. Although both passed trials, the CZ Scorpion’s competitive price and global reputation tipped the scale. This acquisition underlines the challenge faced by indigenous weapons in competing with international arms, even amid “Make in India” initiatives.
The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 is a lightweight submachine gun. (Picture source: CZ)
The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 is a widely respected submachine gun known for its reliability, compactness, and versatility in various operations, including law enforcement and counter-terrorism. Its ergonomic design, combined with accuracy and burst-fire capabilities, makes it a preferred choice for security forces globally. Despite the availability of the ASMI, this procurement emphasizes the difficulties indigenous products face against renowned foreign weapons.
Vinveli, primarily known for drone systems, enters the light arms supply sector with this deal. The acquisition demonstrates the company’s diversification, while simultaneously highlighting the challenges local manufacturers face in competing with foreign counterparts, even in a nationalistic economic environment.
The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 is a lightweight submachine gun designed for both maneuverability and durability. With a 196 mm barrel, it offers solid precision at short to medium ranges. The firearm holds a 30-round magazine and features adjustable iron sights for precise targeting. Its fiberglass-reinforced polymer frame keeps the weight at 2.6 kg without a magazine, making it both lightweight and durable.
The gun’s ergonomic design includes a foldable and extendable stock, allowing the total length to vary between 625 and 675 mm, depending on the configuration. Its compact width of 82 mm when folded makes it suitable for transport and close-quarters engagements. The firearm’s rapid-fire capability is enhanced by a trigger pull weight of approximately 48 N, ensuring quick responsiveness in close combat situations. With an M18 × 1 threaded barrel, the weapon can be fitted with suppressors or muzzle brakes to adapt to different operational needs.
This contract fits into a broader trend of modernization within Indian police forces, seeking cutting-edge equipment to address increasing internal security threats, including terrorism. The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 will significantly enhance UP ATS’s operational capabilities, offering greater efficiency and responsiveness in high-risk interventions.