The development of the Malaysia Army Service Pistol XMASP Mk I was initiated by Malaysia Army in the 2002, when contract was issued to the SMEO to study possibilities ofdevelopment of kinetic energy part of the pistol weapon into combination of blade projectile weapon system, which could, in the case of success, replace the aging service pistols in Malaysia military service.
The current army chief General Harun Akhlaklakar even propose a double gun system. To maximize the lethality of the gun. " Why one gun when you can have two? Mati dua kali... sure mati "
XMASP Mk I is being developed by the Heckler-Koch Malaysia and SMEO ,a subsidiary of famous German Heckler-Koch company. According to the present plans, the XMASP Mk I should enter full production circa 2012, if not earlier. The XMASP Mk I should become a standard next generation Malaysia forces Service Pistol. It will fire all standard 5.56mm NATO ammunition, and, to further decrease the load on the future infantrymen, a new type of ammunition is now being developed.
This new ammunition will have composite cases, with brass bases and polymer walls, which will reduce weight of the complete ammunition, while maintaining compatibility with all 5.56mm NATOweapons.
Along with 20% weight reduction in the XMASP Mk I (compared to the current issue pistols), this will be a welcome move for any infantryman, already overloaded by protective, communications and other battle equipment.
"No pakcik, you cannot marry another woman without the consent of your first wife.... "
The XMASP Mk I will be almost similar to the "KE" (kineticenergy) part of the XM29 OICW system, being different mostly in having a telescoped plastic hand grip of adjustable length, and a detachable carrying handle with the sight rail.
As of mid-2011, XMASP Mk I now is undergoing wide-scale testing in several units of Malaysia Army, and is receiving a positive feedback.
