The Indian Ministry of Defence recently made headlines with a significant investment of ₹4,666 crore. This funding is aimed at strengthening the combat capabilities of the armed forces through the procurement of close quarter battle (CQB) carbines and heavyweight torpedoes.
On December 30, these contracts were formally signed at South Block, New Delhi, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in attendance.
CQB Carbines for Enhanced Combat
A chunk of this funding, ₹2,770 crore, will go to Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd for the supply of over 4.25 lakh CQB carbines. These are set to replace older small arms used by both the Indian Army and Navy. The shift to these modern, indigenously-made weapons aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in manufacturing, known as the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
These new CQB carbines are specifically designed for close-quarters combat, featuring a compact design and high rate of fire. This makes them especially effective in urban environments where combat is often confined.
Experts in defense manufacturing note that this project signifies a positive trend. The collaboration between the government and private sector is expected to stimulate local defence manufacturing and encourage Indian MSMEs to take part in producing components and supplying raw materials.
Powering Up with Heavyweight Torpedoes
Additionally, the Ministry signed a contract worth ₹1,896 crore with WASS Submarine Systems SRL from Italy for 48 heavyweight torpedoes. These torpedoes will be integrated into the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines as part of Project 75. This move is likely to significantly enhance the combat skills of these submarines.
The delivery of these torpedoes is scheduled to begin in April 2028, with completion expected by early 2030.
This series of contracts is part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to modernize the Indian Armed Forces. In FY26 alone, the MoD has signed capital acquisition contracts worth ₹1.82 lakh crore, reflecting a strong commitment to upgrading military capabilities.
Recent trends on social media indicate a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism regarding these developments. While many users celebrate the modernization efforts, others express concerns about the timelines and actual effectiveness of these procurements.
By investing in indigenous technologies and newer systems, India aims to bolster its defense readiness amid evolving global challenges. This aligns with a wider historical context where many countries are focusing on homegrown solutions to enhance national security.
For more information about India’s defense initiatives, you might find this MoD report useful.
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Defence procurement India, Indian Armed Forces modernisation, CQB Carbines India, Heavy Weight Torpedoes India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence, Indian Navy submarine upgrade, Bharat Forge defence contract, PLR Systems defence contract
