Published: 23 October 2025General
MoD Signs ₹2,770 Crore Contract for Over 4.25 Lakh Close-Quarter Carbines for Army and Navy
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,770 crore contract for more than 4.25 lakh close-quarter battle carbines, along with accessories, for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The contract is linked to Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd. For exam preparation, the issue is important not just as a weapons purchase, but as a defence-modernisation case study involving indigenous production and the role of private-sector defence manufacturers.
A close-quarter battle carbine is a compact and lightweight small arm meant for short-range use, including urban operations, counter-insurgency situations and fighting in confined spaces. The Ministry of Defence described the weapon's compact design and high rate of fire as useful for close combat in confined spaces. This makes the topic relevant to infantry firepower, replacement of older small arms and the changing requirements of modern close-combat operations. In static GK, it should be linked with defence technology, defence procurement, indigenisation and the private defence industry.
The procurement also links directly with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. Orders to domestic manufacturers can strengthen Indian small-arms production, supply, maintenance capacity and private-sector participation in defence manufacturing. In prelims, the value of the contract, number of carbines, beneficiary services and manufacturer names are likely factual points. In mains, the same example can be used for defence procurement policy, indigenisation, private-sector participation and national security capacity-building. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in September 2026 and be completed by 2028.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionHard
The Indian Army's newly procured Close Quarter Battle carbines are of which calibre?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe Indian Army procured 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle carbines in 5.56x45mm calibre, weighing approximately 3.3 kg with an effective range of 200 metres. These replace the aging 9x19mm Sterling carbines that had been in service for over two decades.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key facts of the close-quarter battle carbine contract?
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,770 crore contract for more than 4.25 lakh close-quarter battle carbines with accessories for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The contract is linked to Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd.
Why are close-quarter battle carbines useful for the armed forces?
They are compact and lightweight small arms used for close-range fighting, urban operations, counter-insurgency situations and rapid response in confined spaces. The Ministry of Defence described the compact design and high rate of fire as useful for close combat in confined spaces.
How does this procurement connect with Make in India?
Orders to domestic manufacturers strengthen India's small-arms production, supply and maintenance capacity. That makes the procurement a relevant example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in the defence sector.
Which facts are most important for prelims?
The key prelims facts are ₹2,770 crore, more than 4.25 lakh carbines, the Indian Army and Indian Navy, Bharat Forge Ltd, PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, Make in India, and the planned delivery window from September 2026 to 2028.
How can this example be used in mains answers?
It can be used as an example for defence procurement policy, indigenisation, private-sector participation in defence manufacturing, infantry modernisation and national security capacity-building.