Published: 23 October 2025The Defence PostGeneral
Indian Army Signs ₹2,700 Crore Contract for 4.25 Lakh CQB Carbines
The Indian Army signed a contract worth ₹2,700 crore to procure 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle (CQB) 5.56x45mm carbines from Bharat Forge (60% of order) and PLR Systems (40%), a joint venture of Adani Group and Israel Weapon Industries. Deliveries begin September 2026 and conclude by 2028.
The CQB carbines, weighing approximately 3.3 kg with effective range of 200 metres, will replace the Army's ageing 9x19mm Sterling carbines in service for over two decades. This marks a significant step in modernising infantry small arms under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and promoting indigenous defence production.
0Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the Indian Army's ₹2,700 crore CQB carbine contract in the context of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous defence modernisation.
Answer (50 words):
The Indian Army's ₹2,700 crore contract procures 4.25 lakh 5.56×45mm Close Quarter Battle carbines—60% from Bharat Forge, 40% from PLR Systems (Adani-Israel Weapon Industries JV)—with deliveries from September 2026 to 2028. Weighing 3.3 kg with 200-metre range, these replace ageing 9×19mm Sterlings, advancing Aatmanirbhar Bharat and indigenous infantry small-arms capacity.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionHard
The Ministry of Defence contract worth about Rs 2,770 crore for over 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines was signed with which two domestic manufacturers?
Explanation · Correct answer BThe Ministry of Defence signed the CQB carbine contract, worth about Rs 2,770 crore, with Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd. The procurement covers over 4.25 lakh CQB carbines with accessories for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat push.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Indian Army's ₹2,700 crore CQB carbine deal?
The Indian Army signed a contract worth **₹2,700 crore** to procure **4.25 lakh CQB 5.56x45mm carbines** from Bharat Forge (60% share) and PLR Systems (40%), a joint venture of Adani Group and Israel Weapon Industries.
What are the specifications of the CQB carbine ordered by Indian Army?
The CQB carbines weigh approximately **3.3 kg** with an effective range of **200 metres**. They are chambered in **5.56x45mm** calibre and will replace the aging 9x19mm submachine guns in the Army.
When will CQB carbine deliveries begin for Indian Army?
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in **September 2026** and are expected to conclude by **2028**, covering all 4.25 lakh units ordered.
Which domestic companies will manufacture CQB carbines for Indian Army?
**Bharat Forge** (Kalyani Strategic Systems subsidiary) will supply 60% of the order, while **PLR Systems** (Adani Group–Israel Weapon Industries JV) will supply the remaining 40%.
What is the significance of the CQB carbine contract for Make in India?
The contract is a significant step in **modernising infantry small arms** and **promoting indigenous defence production** under the Make in India initiative, with majority production happening domestically.
