India Secures Rs 4,666 Crore Defence Contracts for Carbines and Torpedoes

The Indian Ministry of Defence has recently finalised contracts valued at ₹4,666 crore for the acquisition of over 425,000 close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines and 48 heavyweight torpedoes. This announcement was made on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, and is seen as a significant step in strengthening the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

Contracts for Carbines The bulk of the funding, amounting to Rs 2,770 crore, is allocated for the procurement of CQB carbines from two domestic manufacturers, Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems, which is a joint venture between Adani Defence and Israel Weapon Industries. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh oversaw the signing of the contracts.

Under the agreement, Bharat Forge will manufacture 60% of the carbines while PLR Systems will produce the remaining 40%. The Ministry of Defence expects the deliveries to the Indian Army and Navy to be completed within approximately five years.

A statement from the Ministry highlighted that these new carbines are designed to provide Indian soldiers with enhanced combat capabilities, replacing older systems with advanced indigenous technology under the government’s 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, which promotes self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

“The CQB carbines provide a critical edge in close combat through their compact design and high rate of fire, ensuring rapid, decisive lethality in confined spaces,” the statement read, emphasising the importance of this development in modern warfare.

Torpedo Acquisition In addition to the carbines, the Ministry has also entered into a Rs 1,896 crore contract for the procurement of 48 'Black Shark' heavyweight torpedoes. These will be integrated with the Indian Navy's six Kalvari-class submarines. The contract was awarded to WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L. from Italy.

The Kalvari-class submarines, which are diesel-electric, have been constructed by Mazagon Docks in Mumbai in collaboration with the French naval manufacturer, Naval Group, under Project-75, which has a total budget of over Rs 23,000 crore. The first of the class, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in December 2017, with the last submarine, INS Vagsheer, entering service in January 2025.

Deliveries of the heavyweight torpedoes are set to commence in April 2028 and are expected to conclude by early 2030. The Ministry stated that these torpedoes come equipped with advanced operational capabilities, which will significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of the submarines.

Strategic Implications These contracts mark a pivotal moment in India's defence procurement strategy, showcasing a commitment to boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. The integration of advanced weaponry into the Indian military arsenal is expected to have long-term implications for national security and operational readiness.

As India continues to modernise its military capabilities, these initiatives reflect a broader strategic goal to achieve a self-sufficient defence sector while simultaneously enhancing the technological prowess of its armed forces.