The Ministry of Defence on December 30, 2025, signed contracts worth Rs 4,666 crore for the procurement of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavy Weight Torpedoes, strengthening the combat capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces. The agreements were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.
Under the first contract, the Ministry signed an agreement worth Rs 2,770 crore for the procurement of over 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines, along with accessories, for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The contract has been awarded to Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, marking a major step towards replacing legacy small arms with modern, indigenously developed weapons under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The CQB Carbine is designed to enhance lethality in close-combat situations with its compact size and high rate of fire, providing operational advantages in confined and urban environments. The project also reflects growing collaboration between the government and the private sector and is expected to boost domestic defence manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and support Indian MSMEs through component manufacturing and raw material supply.
The second contract, valued at approximately Rs 1,896 crore, pertains to the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari Class submarines (Project 75). The agreement has been signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy. These torpedoes are expected to significantly enhance the underwater combat capabilities of the six Kalvari Class submarines.
According to the Ministry, deliveries of the torpedoes will begin in April 2028 and are scheduled to be completed by early 2030. The acquisition features advanced technological capabilities and supports the Navy’s operational requirements.
In FY 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence has signed capital acquisition contracts worth Rs 1,82,492 crore, reflecting a continued focus on the modernisation of India’s armed forces.
