Bharat Forge Wins ₹1,662 Crore CQB Carbine Deal

On December 30, 2025, Bharat Forge Ltd. signed a deal with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) valued at ₹1,661.9 crore to supply Close-Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines to the Indian Army. With this contract, India continues to advance its Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives in the defence industry.

Inside the Contract

As per the signed agreement, Bharat Forge will manufacture and supply 255,128 CQB carbines by December 2030, accounting for about 60% of the total requirement under the broader CQB procurement programme. The remaining carbines will be supplied by PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Adani Defence & Aerospace and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), which holds the remaining 40% share of the contract.

Deliveries are expected to start in late 2026, once production schedules are finalised and the necessary manufacturing infrastructure is fully ready.

The carbines that will be procured under this deal will replace legacy systems such as the Sterling 9 mm carbines, which have been in service for decades and are considered outdated for current operational needs.

Design and Development

The CQB carbines that Bharat Forge will supply are indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured (IDDM). The defence deal marks a significant milestone in India’s push for defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The weapon was developed jointly by Bharat Forge and DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE). It uses standard 5.56 × 45 mm ammunition, which matches NATO norms and allows easier coordination and compatibility across infantry units.

Technical Specifications and Operational Role

CQB carbines are compact, lightweight firearms designed for close-range engagements, particularly in urban or confined combat environments where agility and rapid target acquisition are critical. They offer enhanced manoeuvrability and controlled recoil, making them suitable for infantry, special forces, and mechanised units operating in restricted spaces. The initial trials by DRDO found that CQB carbines have an effective firing range of around 200 metres.

The indigenously developed carbines are expected to come with modern accessory rails, better optics compatibility, and improved ergonomics compared to older small arms. The upgrades will make soldiers more effective and lethal in situations requiring close‑quarter combat.

Broader Defence Procurement Landscape

The ₹4,666 crore defence package signed by the MoD on 30 December 2025, with Bharat Forge’s contract as a major component, also features a ₹1,896 crore deal with Italy’s WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. This contract covers the supply and integration of 48 heavyweight torpedoes and related equipment for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari‑class submarines under Project‑75.

The ongoing efforts to modernise the armed forces and the overall procurement package show how India is focused on improving both its land and maritime combat capabilities.

Industry and Market Implications

This contract is a major milestone for Bharat Forge and one of the biggest small arms orders ever for the company.

Following the announcement, analysts noted that it is likely to draw positive investor attention, highlighting growing confidence in Bharat Forge’s expanding role in India’s defence manufacturing sector.

Bharat Forge, part of the Kalyani Group, is making its mark in defence manufacturing, from artillery systems to aerospace components. By bringing Indian MSMEs into its supply chain, the company is creating more jobs and helping the government achieve its goals of boosting domestic production and homegrown technology.

Sources

ET
India Sentinels
Bharat Shakti
Bharat Shakti
Fortune India
Business Standard