The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has made significant strides in enhancing India’s military capabilities by signing defence procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore. The agreements, finalized on Tuesday, pertain to the acquisition of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines for the Indian Army and Navy, as well as Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines.
The contracts were formalized at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
### CQB Carbines for Enhanced Combat Readiness
The first contract, valued at ₹2,770 crore, involves the procurement of over 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines along with various accessories from Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd. This initiative aims to modernize the infantry’s firepower by replacing outdated systems with indigenous, next-generation weapons, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Designed specifically for close combat, the CQB Carbine boasts a compact design, a high rate of fire, and enhanced lethality, allowing troops to maintain an upper hand in confined and urban warfare scenarios. This move not only strengthens military effectiveness but also fosters strong public-private partnerships, generating employment opportunities and supporting the domestic economy. The initiative will empower Indian MSMEs involved in component manufacturing and raw material supply.
### Modernizing Underwater Warfare
In a parallel effort, the MoD has also signed a contract worth approximately ₹1,896 crore with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy, for the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes. These torpedoes are intended for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines (Project-75), significantly bolstering their combat capabilities. Delivery of these advanced weapons is expected to begin in April 2028 and conclude by early 2030.
The torpedoes are equipped with advanced technology and exhibit high operational effectiveness, illustrating the government’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge solutions to meet the demands of contemporary underwater warfare.
### Commitment to Modernization and Self-Reliance
In rallying military enhancements, the MoD highlighted that from the Financial Year 2025–26, capital acquisition contracts totaling ₹1,82,492 crore have already been signed. This reflects a substantial effort to modernize the Armed Forces, focusing on indigenization and preparedness for future conflicts.
The latest contracts are further evidence of India’s determination to prioritize self-reliance in defence capabilities, technological advancement, and the reinforcement of combat readiness in both terrestrial and maritime domains. With these strategic acquisitions, India is taking concrete steps towards reinforcing its national security posture, reinforcing the importance of local manufacturing and innovation in the defence sector.
