NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday signed two major procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore to strengthen the combat readiness of the Indian Army and Navy, marking a significant step towards modernisation under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Under the first contract, more than 4.25 lakh close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines will be procured at a cost of ₹2,770 crore to equip Army and Navy personnel. The deal has been signed with Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, with the two companies securing the order in a 60:40 ratio. These new-generation carbines will replace ageing sub-machine guns that are based on designs dating back to the 1940s. According to the defence ministry, the compact design and high rate of fire of the CQB carbines will provide troops with a decisive advantage during close combat, especially in confined environments. Deliveries of the weapons are expected to begin within a year.
The second contract, valued at ₹1,896 crore, has been signed with Italy-based WASS Submarine Systems SRL for the procurement and integration of 48 heavy-weight torpedoes for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari-class submarines. These torpedoes will significantly enhance the underwater combat capability of the Navy’s six Scorpene-class submarines, which were built under Project 75 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai with technology transfer from France’s Naval Group. The ministry said deliveries of the torpedoes will begin in April 2028 and are expected to be completed by early 2030.
The defence ministry noted that both contracts reflect strong collaboration between the government and the private sector, while also addressing long-pending operational requirements of the armed forces. The acquisitions come at a time when India is accelerating efforts to induct advanced and niche military technologies to meet evolving security challenges.
In the financial year 2025–26 so far, the ministry has signed capital acquisition contracts worth ₹1.82 lakh crore for the modernisation of the armed forces. The latest agreements follow the Defence Acquisition Council’s recent approval for the purchase of military equipment worth around ₹79,000 crore, including missiles, loitering munitions, rockets, radars and drone counter-systems, aimed at further strengthening India’s defence preparedness.
