BharatForge To Manufacture DRDO-Designed CQB Carbine For Indian Army; Order Worth Rs 2000 Cr
The CQB carbine features a modular design with multiple Picatinny rails to allow the attachment of optics, laser designators, vertical grips, and other accessories. Image courtesy: RNA
India’s defense indigenisation efforts received a major boost after a domestically designed and developed 5.56x45mm Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbine emerged as the lowest bidder in a key Indian Army tender.
The weapon, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd, a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, was selected under the “Buy (Indian)” category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020.
What is the value and significance of the order?
The contract is estimated at Rs 2,000 crore, according to a report by IDRW, and is believed to be the largest single order for a domestically designed and manufactured small arm since the induction of the INSAS rifle more than two decades ago.
In September 2022, the Ministry of Defence indicated in a post-Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) document that the Army intended to procure 4,25,213 carbines of this type. Whether the current order includes the entire quantity or is part of a phased procurement remains unconfirmed.
Why does Indian Army need a new CQB carbine?
The Indian Army has been seeking to replace its aging 9x19mm Sterling carbines, which have been in service for over 20 years. Originally designed in the 1940s, the Sterling submachine gun is widely considered obsolete in the context of modern close-quarter combat, especially in urban and counter-insurgency operations.
The newly selected carbine uses North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) standard 5.56x45mm ammunition and is designed for enhanced lethality, compatibility with existing logistics, and better range compared to the 9x19mm rounds fired by the Sterling. Its compact and lightweight design makes it suitable for close engagements in dense terrain and confined environments.
What are the key features of the new weapon?
The carbine, designed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, features a modular design with multiple Picatinny rails to allow the attachment of optics, laser designators, vertical grips, and other accessories. It is believed to have a minimum effective range of 200 meters and is required to meet high reliability standards, with no critical stoppages in a 2,000-round firing cycle.
According to specifications in the AoN document, the weapon must weigh no more than 3 kilograms without a magazine or attachments, have a service life of at least 15 years or 15,000 rounds, and function reliably in extreme temperatures ranging from minus 20 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius.
The carbine is expected to equip Army infantry units, special forces, and potentially paramilitary forces operating in high-threat environments. Its development and selection are seen as a milestone for India’s Make in India initiative, as well as an example of successful collaboration between a state-owned research body and a private-sector manufacturer.
What comes next?
Deliveries must begin within eight months of signing the contract and be completed within five years, as per the timelines stated in the post-AoN document.
With DRDO owning the design and manufacturing being carried out by an Indian firm, the weapon is also likely to be a candidate for export to friendly countries in the future.
Officials have not yet released a breakdown of how many units will be delivered in the first tranche or the final timeline for full induction.
