New Delhi: Reinforcing India’s long-term push towards military modernization and operational preparedness, the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday finalized major defence acquisition agreements valued at Rs 4,666 crore.
The contracts, signed at South Block in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, cover the procurement of close quarter b attle (CQB) carbines for the Army and Navy, as well as heavy weight torpedoes for the Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines.
These agreements reflect a balanced approach that combines immediate operational needs with strategic objectives such as indigenization, technological advancement and industrial growth.
A significant share of the total outlay, amounting to Rs 2,770 crore, has been earmarked for the acquisition of more than 4.25 lakh CQB carbines along with related accessories. The contract has been awarded to Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, with manufacturing responsibilities divided between the two firms.
Bharat Forge will produce 60% of the weapons, while PLR Systems will manufacture the remaining share, ensuring timely delivery to the Army and Navy within an estimated two-year period.
The CQB carbine is designed to address the demands of modern infantry combat, particularly in urban warfare, counter-insurgency operations, and close-quarter engagements. Its compact structure, reliability, and high rate of fire offer soldiers improved agility and lethality in restricted environments.
Beyond enhancing battlefield effectiveness, the programme exemplifies the growing synergy between the government and the private sector, aligning closely with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives.
The project is also expected to stimulate the domestic defence ecosystem by generating employment, strengthening supply chains, and enabling Indian MSMEs to participate in component manufacturing and raw material supply.
The remaining Rs 1,896 crore contract focuses on strengthening the Navy’s underwater combat capabilities through the procurement and integration of 48 heavy weight torpedoes for the six Kalvari-class submarines built under Project-75.
Signed with WASS Submarine Systems SRL of Italy, the agreement includes advanced torpedoes equipped with modern guidance, propulsion, and combat features that significantly enhance the strike capability of the Scorpene-class submarines.
These submarines, constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, form a critical element of India’s maritime deterrence. Delivery of the torpedoes is scheduled to begin in April 2028 and conclude by early 2030, ensuring a phased and structured induction.
From a strategic perspective, the acquisition strengthens India’s ability to safeguard its maritime interests in an increasingly complex regional security environment.
Collectively, these contracts have pushed the Ministry of Defence’s capital procurement value for the financial year 2025-26 to Rs 1,82,492 crore, underscoring a sustained and forward-looking commitment to enhancing combat readiness, technological sophistication, and self-reliance across the Armed Forces.