The Ministry of Defence has recently signed contracts worth a total of Rs 46 billion for the procurement of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavy Weight Torpedoes, reinforcing the modernisation of India’s armed forces. The agreements were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

Under the first contract, over 0.425 million CQB Carbines along with accessories, valued at Rs 27 billion, will be supplied to the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The contracts were awarded to Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems Private Limited. The induction of the indigenous CQB Carbine will replace legacy systems and significantly enhance close-combat lethality through its compact design and high rate of fire, in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives. The programme is also expected to support MSMEs, generate employment and strengthen the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.

In a separate agreement, the MoD signed a Rs 18.96 billion contract with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. for the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari Class (Project-75) submarines. The acquisition will enhance the combat capability of the six submarines, with deliveries scheduled to commence from April 2028 and conclude by early 2030.

The torpedoes feature advanced technologies and high operational performance, reflecting the Government’s commitment to equipping the Indian Navy with niche and mission-critical capabilities. During FY 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence has signed capital acquisition contracts worth Rs 1.8 trillion, underscoring the sustained push towards armed forces modernisation.