The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday signed defence procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore for the acquisition of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavy Weight Torpedoes, giving a major boost to the combat capabilities of the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.
The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi, the Ministry said in an official statement.
CQB Carbines for Army and Navy
Under the first contract, the MoD signed agreements worth ₹2,770 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd for the procurement of over 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines along with accessories for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.
The induction of CQB Carbines marks a major step in modernising infantry firepower, replacing legacy systems with indigenous, next-generation weapons in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Designed for close combat operations, the CQB Carbine offers a compact design, high rate of fire, and superior lethality, enabling troops to dominate confined and urban battle spaces. The project also reflects strong government–private sector synergy, while generating employment, boosting the domestic economy, and empowering Indian MSMEs through component manufacturing and raw material supply.
Heavy Weight Torpedoes for Kalvari-Class Submarines
In another key contract, the MoD signed an agreement worth approximately ₹1,896 crore with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy, for the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes along with associated equipment for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarine (Project-75) fleet.
The acquisition will significantly enhance the combat capability of the six Kalvari-class submarines, strengthening the Navy’s underwater warfare prowess. As per the contract, deliveries will commence from April 2028 and be completed by early 2030.
The torpedoes feature advanced technological capabilities and high operational effectiveness, underscoring the government’s commitment to induct niche technologies and advanced weapon systems to meet the Indian Navy’s operational requirements.
Big Push for Armed Forces Modernisation
The MoD noted that in the Financial Year 2025–26, capital acquisition contracts worth ₹1,82,492 crore have already been signed for the modernisation of the Armed Forces, reflecting an unprecedented push towards capability enhancement, indigenisation, and preparedness for future conflicts.
The latest contracts reaffirm India’s focus on self-reliance, technological advancement, and strengthening combat readiness across land and maritime domains.
