New Delhi, Oct 22 — The Indian Army is set to equip its infantry with new Close‑Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines next year, a move that comes after a big procurement deal finalized last month.
The contract, worth about ₹27,770 crore, will bring 425,000 CQB rifles into service. The rifles will replace older small‑arms and give troops a modern 5.56 × 45 mm weapon that fits tight‑space fighting.
Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, the Army’s Director General of Infantry, said the two companies that won the contract—Bharat Forge (part of Kalyani Strategic Systems) and PLR Systems (a joint venture of the Adani Group and Israel Weapon Industries)—have a strict deadline. They must deliver the entire order in two years, starting from 2026.
Under the agreement, Bharat Forge will supply 60 % of the rifles (about 255,000 units) while PLR Systems will make the remaining 40 % (roughly 170,000). This split reflects a push toward Atmanirbharta, or self‑reliance, in defence manufacturing, blending domestic production with strategic overseas partners.
Lt Gen Kumar emphasized that the new carbines are part of the Army’s Decade of Transformation initiative, aimed at modernising forces, boosting technology, and improving training. “Our infantry will be modular and versatile, ready to win in multi‑domain battles,” he said.
He also reflected on lessons from Operation Sindoor, stressing precision, teamwork and technology‑driven warfare. The integration of advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets will play a key role in future operations.
This procurement marks another milestone in India’s effort to field a fully armed and self‑sufficient army ready for next‑generation conflicts.
Source: ianslive
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