In a significant push to enhance the combat capabilities of its armed forces, the Indian defence ministry on Tuesday signed two major contracts totalling Rs 4,666 crore. The deals are for procuring advanced close-quarter battle carbines from domestic firms and heavyweight torpedoes from an Italian manufacturer for the Navy's submarine fleet.
Boosting Infantry Firepower with Indigenous Carbines
A contract worth Rs 2,770 crore was finalised for the acquisition of over 4.25 lakh close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines along with essential accessories. The agreement was signed with two Indian companies, Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
PLR Systems is a joint venture between Adani Defence and Israel Weapon Industries. As per the manufacturing plan, 60% of the carbines will be produced by Bharat Forge, with the remaining 40% handled by PLR Systems. The deliveries to the Indian Army and Navy are expected to be completed within approximately two years.
The defence ministry hailed this contract as the result of an extraordinary and persistent effort to equip Indian soldiers with world-class weaponry. In an official statement, it said the deal replaces legacy systems with cutting-edge indigenous technology, aligning perfectly with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision.
"The CQB carbines provide a critical edge in close combat through their compact design and high rate of fire, ensuring rapid, decisive lethality in confined spaces," the ministry noted. It further emphasised that the contract underscores the synergy between the government and the private sector, providing fresh impetus to the Make-in-India initiative in defence manufacturing.
Enhancing Naval Strength with Advanced Torpedoes
In a separate but equally crucial deal, the ministry signed a Rs 1,896 crore contract with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. of Italy. This contract is for the procurement and integration of 48 'Black Shark' heavyweight torpedoes and associated equipment.
These advanced torpedoes are destined for the Indian Navy's fleet of six Kalvari-class or Scorpene submarines. These diesel-electric submarines were built by Mumbai-based Mazagon Docks in collaboration with France's Naval Group under the ambitious Project-75, which cost over Rs 23,000 crore.
The first submarine, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in December 2017, and the sixth and final boat, INS Vagsheer, joined the fleet in January of this year. The induction of these stealthy submarines marked a major leap in India's underwater warfare capabilities.
Delivery Timeline and Strategic Impact
The delivery of the 48 Black Shark torpedoes is scheduled to commence from April 2028 and is expected to be fully completed by early 2030. The defence ministry stated that these torpedoes possess significant operational capabilities and incorporate advanced technological features.
"The torpedoes... will enhance the combat capability of the six Kalvari-class submarines," the MoD's statement affirmed. This acquisition will substantially boost the submarines' ability to engage hostile surface and underwater targets at long ranges, making them a more potent deterrent.
Taken together, these two contracts represent a balanced approach to defence procurement—fostering indigenous production for immediate infantry needs while sourcing cutting-edge, specialised technology from abroad to empower strategic naval assets. This dual strategy aims to swiftly address operational gaps while building long-term self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
