March 04, 2013: The legendary Beretta of Italy is expanding its presence in the Indian market in a big way, and demonstrated this with a sizeable presence at the recent Aero India show in Bangalore. While the company has several different weapons on offer to the Indian armed forces, police services and paramilitary forces, two weapons stand out at the moment as they are in contention for specific requirements in the Indian Army. The Beretta ARX-160 is currently in contention to address the Indian Army's requirement of a new assault rifle, while the PX4 is in contention for an order to meet requirements from the Indian Army's infantry and special forces units.

According to Beretta, "The Px4 Storm Sub-Compact pistol is the most advanced sub-compact sidearm of its kind. Built around Beretta’s latest Px4 modular technology, the PX4 Storm Sub-Compact delivers concealed carry handling with large frame firepower." The ARX-160 on the other hand was introduced a few years ago to meet an Italian requirement as part of the Soldato Futuro programme. The assault rifle's salient features, being highlighted to the Indian Army include ambidextrous safety features, magazine catches, control over which side spent casings are ejected, a "quick-change barrel which can be removed and replaced in seconds without tools, Picatinny rails and a foldable telescopic stock," according to documentation.