Ministry of Defence Finalizes ₹4,666 Crore Contracts for CQB Carbines and Torpedoes
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on Tuesday that it has finalized defence procurement agreements valued at ₹4,666 crore. These contracts, aimed at purchasing Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavy Weight Torpedoes, are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Army and the Indian Navy's combat capabilities.
The signing ceremony took place at South Block in New Delhi, attended by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, as per the Ministry's official statement.
Under the initial contract, the MoD secured deals amounting to ₹2,770 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd. This agreement involves acquiring more than 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines and their accessories for both the Indian Army and Navy.
The introduction of CQB Carbines is a pivotal move towards updating infantry firepower, as legacy systems are replaced with indigenous, cutting-edge weapons aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Specifically designed for close combat situations, the CQB Carbine boasts a compact structure, a high rate of fire, and enhanced lethality, providing troops with a strategic advantage in confined and urban settings. The initiative also demonstrates effective collaboration between the government and private sector, while stimulating employment, bolstering the domestic economy, and supporting Indian MSMEs in component manufacturing and raw material supply.
In a separate agreement, the MoD signed a contract worth approximately ₹1,896 crore with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. of Italy. This contract involves the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy's Kalvari-class submarines, part of Project-75.
This acquisition will notably boost the combat capabilities of the six Kalvari-class submarines, enhancing the Navy's strength in underwater warfare. According to the contract terms, deliveries are expected to start in April 2028 and conclude by early 2030.
The torpedoes come equipped with advanced technological features and high operational efficiency, highlighting the government’s dedication to incorporating cutting-edge technologies and sophisticated weapon systems to fulfill the Indian Navy's strategic needs.
The MoD emphasized that in the Fiscal Year 2025–26, capital acquisition contracts amounting to ₹1,82,492 crore have been finalized for the modernization of the Armed Forces. This represents a significant commitment to capability enhancement, indigenization, and readiness for future conflicts.
These recent contracts underscore India's commitment to self-reliance, technological progress, and enhancing combat readiness across both land and maritime sectors.
