In a major step towards enhancing the combat readiness of the Indian armed forces, the Ministry of Defence has inked contracts worth a combined ₹4,666 crore for the procurement of advanced close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines for the Army and heavyweight torpedoes for the Navy. These contracts, signed on Tuesday, mark a significant stride in India’s ongoing defence modernisation efforts, aligning with the broader ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision to boost indigenous defence production while simultaneously upgrading critical military capabilities.

The larger of the two deals, valued at ₹2,770 crore, pertains to the acquisition of more than 4.25 lakh CQB carbines, which will replace decades-old submachine guns that have been in service since the 1940s. The carbines, developed with the latest indigenous technology, are being supplied by Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, a company under the Adani Group. The contract has been divided between the two firms in a 60:40 ratio, with Bharat Forge receiving the larger share as the lowest bidder. Deliveries for these modern carbines are slated to begin within a year from the date of the contract signing.

According to the Defence Ministry, the induction of these carbines addresses a long-standing operational requirement for the Army. Existing submachine guns, some of which are based on designs developed during World War II, no longer meet the needs of modern infantry combat. The new CQB carbines, with their compact design and high rate of fire, are particularly suited for close-quarters engagements in urban and confined environments. This capability is expected to provide Indian soldiers with a decisive edge during operations in varied terrain, from dense urban centres to rugged mountainous regions.

The acquisition also underscores the increasing collaboration between the government and private defence manufacturers under the Make-in-India initiative. By sourcing critical infantry weapons domestically, the government is promoting indigenous defence capabilities, reducing dependency on imports, and fostering innovation within the country’s defence industrial base. The Ministry of Defence highlighted that the CQB carbine is a “cornerstone of the modern infantry arsenal,” emphasizing its importance in ensuring rapid, decisive lethality in close-combat situations. This procurement, the ministry added, is the culmination of persistent efforts to equip the armed forces with world-class weaponry, following several earlier attempts to acquire suitable carbines through foreign procurement routes that did not materialize.

The second contract, valued at ₹1,896 crore, focuses on strengthening the combat capabilities of India’s submarine fleet. Under this deal, the Navy will acquire 48 heavyweight torpedoes along with associated integration equipment for deployment on the six Kalvari-class (Scorpene) submarines. The contract has been signed with WASS Submarine Systems SRL, a leading Italian defence manufacturer. Deliveries of these torpedoes are scheduled to commence in April 2028 and are expected to be completed by early 2030.

The Kalvari-class submarines, built under the ₹23,562-crore Project 75 programme, were constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai with technology transfer from France’s Naval Group. The integration of these advanced torpedoes is intended to significantly enhance the submarines’ underwater strike capability, allowing for precision engagement of surface and subsurface targets. The Defence Ministry emphasized that these torpedoes possess advanced operational features and technological capabilities that will augment the Navy’s combat readiness and serve as a critical component in maintaining strategic deterrence in the Indian Ocean region.

The induction of both the CQB carbines and heavyweight torpedoes forms part of a broader, ambitious plan to modernise India’s armed forces. In the financial year 2025-26, the Ministry of Defence has already signed capital procurement contracts worth ₹1,82,492 crore to acquire state-of-the-art equipment across all three services. These contracts cover a wide range of capabilities, including fighter jets, naval vessels, artillery systems, missile systems, surveillance platforms, and defence electronics, reflecting a comprehensive effort to enhance the operational effectiveness and technological sophistication of the Indian military.

Notably, the signing of the new contracts comes a day after the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the apex body for procurement in the Ministry of Defence, gave initial approval for a separate set of acquisitions worth ₹79,000 crore. These acquisitions include beyond-visual-range missiles, loitering munitions, long-range rockets, advanced radar systems, and drone detection and interception equipment. Together, these measures underscore a strategic push to address critical gaps in India’s combat readiness while also preparing the armed forces for future security challenges posed by evolving threats along its borders and in the maritime domain.

The CQB carbine procurement and heavyweight torpedo acquisition represent more than just weapon purchases; they signify a paradigm shift in how India approaches defence preparedness. The focus on indigenously produced carbines aligns with national objectives to develop a self-reliant defence ecosystem, while the procurement of advanced torpedoes for the Navy underscores the country’s intent to maintain a credible underwater deterrent. Both procurements are expected to improve operational capabilities, modernise legacy systems, and support the broader strategic objectives of national security.

By replacing obsolete submachine guns with advanced CQB carbines, the Army is expected to improve its effectiveness in urban combat, counter-insurgency operations, and other scenarios where mobility, speed, and precision are critical. The lightweight, compact design of these carbines allows for better maneuverability in close quarters, while their high rate of fire ensures that soldiers can respond swiftly to threats. Similarly, the integration of modern torpedoes into the Kalvari-class submarines enhances India’s underwater warfare capabilities, enabling the Navy to engage adversaries with greater precision and lethality.

These procurements also highlight the growing importance of public-private partnerships in the defence sector. By leveraging the expertise of domestic companies such as Bharat Forge and PLR Systems, the government is encouraging innovation, technology development, and capacity building within the Indian defence industry. This approach not only supports national economic objectives but also ensures that India’s armed forces are equipped with weapons systems tailored to their operational requirements.

In conclusion, the signing of ₹4,666 crore in defence contracts marks a significant milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its armed forces. The acquisition of over 4.25 lakh close-quarter battle carbines for the Army and 48 heavyweight torpedoes for the Navy reflects a dual focus on enhancing operational capability and promoting indigenous defence production. These procurements are set to strengthen India’s military readiness, provide state-of-the-art equipment to frontline personnel, and reinforce the country’s strategic defence posture in a rapidly evolving security environment. As the armed forces prepare to induct these new systems, the contracts also serve as a testament to the government’s commitment to self-reliance, technological advancement, and long-term modernisation of India’s military capabilities.

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