Carbines to torpedoes: All about Centre's mega Rs 4,666 crore deals to bolster Army, Navy

Under the arrangement, Bharat Forge will manufacture 60 per cent of the carbines, while the remaining 40 per cent will be produced by PLR Systems. (Photo for representational purpose only. )

• India inks Rs 4,666 crore deals for Army carbines and Navy torpedoes.
• New carbines to boost close-combat firepower, 60% made by Bharat Forge
• 48 Black Shark torpedoes to boost Scorpene submarines' strike power underwater

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In a major New Year boost to India's military preparedness, the Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth Rs 4,666 crore for the procurement of close-quarter battle carbines for the Army and Navy and heavyweight torpedoes for the Navy's Scorpene-class submarines. The twin deals aim to enhance close-combat firepower and underwater strike capabilities, while also reinforcing the government's push for indigenous defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

CQB Carbines to Boost Infantry Firepower

A total of Rs 2,770 crore has been earmarked for the acquisition of CQB carbines along with accessories. The contracts were signed with Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems, a joint venture between Adani Defence and Israel Weapon Industries, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Under the arrangement, Bharat Forge will manufacture 60 per cent of the carbines, while the remaining 40 per cent will be produced by PLR Systems. Deliveries to the Army and Navy are expected to be completed over a five-year period.

According to the Defence Ministry, the new carbines will replace legacy small arms and provide a critical edge in close-quarter combat due to their compact design and high rate of fire. The induction aligns with the government's focus on equipping soldiers with modern, indigenous weapon systems.

Boost to Make in India and Private Sector Role

The ministry said the contracts reflect strong synergy between the government and private industry, further accelerating the Make-in-India programme in the defence sector. The move is expected to deepen domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce reliance on imports.

Heavyweight Torpedoes for Navy's Scorpene Submarines

The second contract, valued at Rs 1,896 crore, involves the procurement and integration of 48 "Black Shark" heavyweight torpedoes for the Navy's six Kalvari-class or Scorpene diesel-electric submarines. The deal was signed with Italy-based WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L.

The Scorpene submarines were built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd in Mumbai in collaboration with France's Naval Group under Project-75 at a cost exceeding Rs 23,000 crore. INS Kalvari was commissioned in December 2017, while the sixth submarine, INS Vagsheer, joined the fleet in January this year.

Delivery Timeline and Strategic Impact

Delivery of the torpedoes is scheduled to begin in April 2028 and conclude by early 2030. The Defence Ministry said the advanced torpedoes will significantly enhance the combat and deterrence capabilities of the Kalvari-class submarines, strengthening India's undersea warfare posture.