The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on December 30, 2025, signed defence procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore for the acquisition of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavy Weight Torpedoes, reinforcing India’s push towards military modernisation and operational preparedness. The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi, according to an official release by PIB Delhi.
CQB Carbine Contract: Strengthening Infantry Firepower
Under the first contract, the MoD has signed an agreement worth ₹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.
This milestone marks a significant step in replacing legacy infantry weapons with modern, indigenous systems, aligned with the Government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Make in India initiatives.
Designed as a core component of the modern infantry arsenal, the CQB Carbine offers:
-
A compact design suited for close-quarters combat
-
A high rate of fire enabling rapid and decisive engagement
-
Enhanced lethality in confined and urban combat environments
The project highlights strong collaboration between the government and the private sector and is expected to boost the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. It will also generate employment opportunities and empower Indian MSMEs through component manufacturing and raw material supply, contributing positively to the broader economy.
Heavy Weight Torpedoes: Enhancing Naval Combat Capability
The second contract, valued at approximately ₹1,896 crore, has been signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy, for the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes along with associated equipment.
These torpedoes will be inducted into the Kalvari Class (P-75) submarines of the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing the combat capability of the Navy’s underwater fleet. The acquisition will strengthen India’s undersea warfare capabilities through the induction of advanced and niche technologies.
As per the MoD, delivery of the torpedoes is scheduled to begin from April 2028 and will be completed by early 2030.
Defence Modernisation Push in FY 2025–26
The latest contracts form part of the government’s broader defence modernisation drive. In the Financial Year 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence has so far signed capital acquisition contracts worth ₹1,82,492 crore, underscoring sustained investment in upgrading the Armed Forces across land, sea, and air domains.
Conclusion
The signing of ₹4,666 crore worth of defence contracts for CQB Carbines and Heavy Weight Torpedoes marks a crucial step in enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Armed Forces. While the CQB Carbine project strengthens infantry combat effectiveness through indigenous manufacturing, the induction of advanced torpedoes significantly boosts the Indian Navy’s underwater strike capability. Together, these acquisitions reaffirm the government’s commitment to modernisation, self-reliance, and long-term defence preparedness.
For more real-time updates, visit Channel 6 Network.
Source: PIB
