The Ministry of Defence has signed two major procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore to strengthen the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The deals cover the acquisition of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavyweight Torpedoes, marking another step in India’s defence modernisation and indigenisation drive.
Close Quarter Battle Carbines
Under the first contract, over 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines with accessories will be procured for the Army and Navy at a cost of ₹2,770 crore. The weapons will be supplied by Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd. These indigenously manufactured carbines are intended to replace older small arms with modern, compact and high-lethality weapons. The CQB Carbine is designed for close-combat and confined-space operations. It offers a high rate of fire and improved operational effectiveness for infantry personnel. The procurement supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision and strengthens the Make in India defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Heavyweight Torpedoes for Navy
The second contract, worth about ₹1,896 crore, was signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy. It covers the procurement and integration of 48 Heavyweight Torpedoes for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari Class submarines under Project-75. These torpedoes will enhance the underwater combat capability of the Navy’s six submarines in the class. Delivery is scheduled to begin in April 2028 and continue until early 2030. The new systems are expected to improve the Navy’s strike capability in submarine warfare.
Push for Modernisation and Indigenisation
The contracts reflect the government’s focus on operational preparedness and the induction of advanced technologies. They also show greater involvement of the private sector in defence production, with benefits for employment, MSMEs and the wider industrial base. In financial year 2025–26, the Ministry of Defence has so far signed capital acquisition contracts worth ₹1,82,492 crore, showing the scale of ongoing military modernisation.
Strategic Significance
These acquisitions are important for both land and maritime security. The carbines will improve infantry firepower, while the torpedoes will strengthen submarine deterrence and offensive capability. Together, they support India’s broader effort to build a more self-reliant and technologically advanced armed forces.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026