Rs 4,666 crore upgrade: Govt signs key defence contracts for CQB carbines, heavyweight torpedoes

New Delhi: The India government on Tuesday announced the signing of contracts worth Rs 4,666 crore for the procurement of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavyweight Torpedoes, aimed at strengthening the Indian Army and Navy.

The contract for over 4.25 lakh CQB carbines, along with accessories, valued at Rs 2,770 crore, was signed with Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd for the Indian Army and Indian Navy.

The CQB carbine provides a critical edge in close combat through its compact design and high rate of fire, ensuring rapid, decisive lethality in confined spaces.

“The contract highlights the synergy between the government and the private sector, which will further give impetus to the ‘Make in India’ initiative,” the Defence Ministry said.

The ministry added that the project will boost the economy, increase employment, and empower indigenous defence industries by encouraging Indian MSMEs through components' manufacturing and raw material supply.

Heavyweight torpedoes for Kalvari-class submarines

A separate contract for the procurement and integration of 48 Heavyweight Torpedoes along with associated equipment for Kalvari Class Submarines (P-75) of the Indian Navy, valued at Rs 1,896 crore, was signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy.

The acquisition is expected to enhance the combat capability of the six Kalvari Class submarines, with deliveries beginning in April 2028 and scheduled to be completed by early 2030.

“These torpedoes have significant operational capabilities and advanced technological features,” the ministry noted.

“This achievement marks the culmination of an extraordinary, persistent effort to equip Indian soldiers with world-class lethality, replacing legacy systems with cutting-edge indigenous technology under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision,” the Defence Ministry statement added.

The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The Ministry of Defence has already signed capital contracts amounting to Rs 1,82,492 crore for the modernisation of the Armed Forces in the financial year 2025-26.