In a significant boost to India's self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a major contract with Bharat Forge Limited (BFL). The deal, valued at Rs 1,661 crores, is for the supply of over 2.55 lakh units of indigenously developed Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines to the Indian Army.
A Landmark Deal for Indigenous Defence
The contract was formally signed on Tuesday, December 31, 2025. As per the agreement, Bharat Forge will execute the order within a span of five years. This procurement is a cornerstone of the government's Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) mission, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign arms imports.
The 5.56 x 45 mm CQB Carbine is an Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) weapon system. It was jointly developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Bharat Forge Ltd, also based in Pune.
Technical Prowess of the CQB Carbine
Designed specifically for close combat scenarios in Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism (CI/CT) operations, this carbine is a lightweight and compact weapon. Key features include:
- Weight: Less than 3.3 kg, making it highly mobile for soldiers.
- Effective Range: Up to 200 meters.
- Ammunition Compatibility: A unique feature allowing it to fire both standard NATO 5.56x45 mm rounds and in-service INSAS ammunition.
- High Rate of Fire: Equipped with a 30-round magazine for sustained engagement.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Built using forged steel technology and metal injection moulding, ensuring high reliability and accuracy.
The design incorporates high-strength steel alloy machined bodies, offering durability in harsh combat conditions. DRDO officials have confirmed that the ARDE-Bharat Forge CQB is a 100 percent Make in India weapon.
Strategic Impact and Economic Boost
In its official statement, the MoD highlighted that the CQB Carbine provides a critical edge in close combat due to its compact design and rapid lethality in confined spaces. The contract underscores the growing synergy between the government and the private sector in defence production.
Bharat Forge, through its wholly-owned defence subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), reiterated its commitment to equipping the Indian Armed Forces with advanced 'Made in India' equipment. The MoD also noted that this project will have wide-ranging positive effects:
- Providing a strong impetus to the Make-in-India initiative in defence.
- Boosting the overall economy and creating numerous employment opportunities.
- Empowering the indigenous defence industrial ecosystem, especially Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in component manufacturing and raw material supply.
This landmark deal marks a pivotal step towards modernizing the Indian Army's infantry arsenal with homegrown technology, reinforcing national security while fostering industrial growth.
