India is gearing up for the launch of its debut long-range revolver, “Prabal,” on August 18. Manufactured by state-owned enterprise Advanced Weapons and Equipment India (AWEIL) in Kanpur, the .32 bore Prabal offers an impressive 50-meter firing range, twice that of other Indian revolvers. Noteworthy for its side swing cylinder, the design innovation allows easy cartridge insertion. Weighing only 700 grams and measuring 177.6 mm in length, the user-friendly Prabal is positioned as a versatile self-defense option, catering even to women’s safety. AWEIL, a government enterprise, focuses on defense equipment production, including small arms and artillery.
Prelims pointer
- Advanced Weapons and Equipment India (AWEIL): A state-owned enterprise based in Kanpur, specializing in defense equipment production, including firearms and artillery for military and civilian use.
- 32 Bore: A measurement indicating the caliber of the firearm, referring to the diameter of the gun barrel. In this case, it’s the caliber of the Prabal revolver.
- Side Swing Cylinder: A design feature in the Prabal revolver allowing easy access for cartridge insertion, representing an advancement in revolver design.
- Ordnance Factory Board (OFB): The organization responsible for manufacturing defense equipment for the Indian armed forces, now restructured and transformed into multiple Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
- Sarang Cannons: Refers to the order of 300 cannons from the Indian Army, indicating AWEIL’s significant defense product orders.
