Bharat Forge Limited on Tuesday said it has received a ₹1,661.9 crore contract from the Ministry of Defence for the supply of 255,128 Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines to the Indian Army. The order will be executed over a period of five years.
The contract marks a significant boost for indigenous defence manufacturing and aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance in military equipment.
Indigenous Weapon Developed Under Atmanirbhar Bharat
The 5.56×45 mm CQB Carbine has been indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured under the IDDM category. The compact firearm was jointly developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO and Bharat Forge.
Bharat Forge said the project reflects close collaboration between the development and manufacturing agencies, resulting in a fully homegrown weapon system for the armed forces.
“Aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, Bharat Forge and its wholly owned defence subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, remain committed to delivering advanced, Made-in-India defence equipment to the Indian Armed Forces,” the company said in a statement.
What Is a CQB Carbine?
The CQB Carbine is designed to meet the operational demands of urban warfare and counter-insurgency operations, where standard assault rifles can be cumbersome. Its compact size allows soldiers to operate more effectively in close-combat environments such as buildings, narrow lanes, and densely populated areas.
The weapon is intended for quick reaction scenarios, including counter-terrorism missions, room-clearing operations, and close-range engagements, where speed and mobility are critical.
Key Features and Capabilities
According to DRDO, the CQB Carbine weighs about 3.3 kg and has an effective firing range of up to 200 metres. A key feature of the weapon is its ability to fire both NATO-standard ammunition and INSAS rounds, giving operational flexibility to infantry units.
Prateek Kishore, Scientist and Director General of Armament and Combat Engineering Systems at DRDO, had earlier described the project as a strong example of coordination between research and industry.
“This is a clear case of full synergy between the development agency and the manufacturing partner,” Kishore said. “It is a proud moment for DRDO and for the country. The weapon is highly effective and places our infantry in a stronger operational position.”
Strengthening India’s Defence Manufacturing Base
The large-scale procurement of CQB Carbines reinforces India’s focus on indigenisation of defence equipment and reducing dependence on imports. With this contract, Bharat Forge further strengthens its role as a key private-sector player in India’s defence ecosystem, supporting the armed forces with domestically developed, combat-ready systems.
