In a significant step towards strengthening India’s military capabilities and advancing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved two major defence procurement deals worth a combined ₹4,666 crore for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.
The contracts were signed on Tuesday at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, marking a major upgrade in close-combat and underwater warfare capabilities of the armed forces.
Over 4.25 Lakh CQB Carbines for Army and Navy
Under the first agreement, the MoD has finalised a deal worth ₹2,770 crore for the procurement of over 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines. The contract has been awarded to Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems, a joint venture between Adani Defence and Israel Weapon Industries.
As per the agreement, 60% of the carbines will be manufactured by Bharat Forge, while the remaining production will be handled by PLR Systems. The weapons will be delivered to the Indian Army and Navy over the next five years.
The Defence Ministry described the acquisition as a major milestone in equipping Indian soldiers with world-class, modern small arms, replacing outdated weapons currently in service.
Why CQB Carbines Matter
CQB carbines are specifically designed for close-quarter combat, including urban warfare, counter-terrorism operations and confined battle environments. Their compact size, high rate of fire and improved accuracy make them highly effective in modern battlefield scenarios.
Officials said the deal reflects strong collaboration between the government and the private sector, further reinforcing the Make in India initiative in the defence sector.
48 ‘Black Shark’ Heavyweight Torpedoes for Navy
In another crucial decision, the MoD approved a separate deal estimated at ₹1,896 crore for the procurement of 48 heavyweight “Black Shark” torpedoes for the Indian Navy. The contract has been signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. of Italy.
These advanced torpedoes will be deployed on the Navy’s six Kalvari-class (Scorpene-class) submarines, significantly enhancing their underwater strike capability.
According to officials, delivery of the torpedoes will begin in April 2028 and is expected to be completed by early 2030. Equipped with cutting-edge guidance and combat systems, the Black Shark torpedoes are expected to provide a major boost to the Navy’s deterrence and combat readiness.
Strengthening Combat Readiness
With these approvals, the Defence Ministry has taken a decisive step to modernise the armed forces, enhance indigenous defence manufacturing, and ensure that Indian soldiers and sailors are equipped with lethal, reliable and technologically advanced weapons.
The twin deals underline India’s focus on self-reliance in defence, while also ensuring critical capability enhancement through selective global partnerships.
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