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A domestically developed Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbine, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Forge, has been declared the lowest (L1) bidder in the Indian Army’s procurement program for modern close-combat firearms.
Chambered for the standard 5.56x45mm NATO round, the weapon was developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune. It will be manufactured by Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSS), a defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, also based in Pune.
The selection marks a major milestone for the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative and significantly strengthens India’s indigenous small arms manufacturing ecosystem.
Largest Indigenous Carbine Deal Since INSAS
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in 2022 for the procurement of 4,25,213 units of 5.56x45mm CQB carbines under the Buy (Indian) category. With an estimated contract value of Rs 2,770 crore, this represents the largest indigenous small arms contract since the introduction of the INSAS rifle in the early 2000s.
Under the Buy (Indian) classification, the weapon must either be fully designed, developed, and manufactured in India with at least 50% indigenous content or, if not produced locally, must have 60% indigenous components by cost. The DRDO–Bharat Forge carbine meets the more stringent former requirement—making it a showcase of indigenous R&D and manufacturing capability.
Weapon Profile and Operational Role
The new carbine is specifically designed for urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations, offering a lightweight, compact, and highly manoeuvrable platform that excels in close-quarters engagements. It boasts a calibre of 5.56x45mm NATO, an effective range of at least 200 meters, and a weight of no more than 3 kg (excluding magazine and accessories). With a supplied bayonet featuring a blade of at least 120mm, it ensures versatility in various combat situations. The carbine’s remarkable accuracy allows for 9 out of 10 shots to land within a 15×15 cm grouping, while its robust service life can extend up to 15 years or 15,000 rounds. This advancement is slated to replace the Army’s ageing 9 mm Sterling carbines, which have been in service for over two decades and no longer meet contemporary operational demands.
Competitive Bidding and Indigenous Advantage
The competitive bidding process involved seven Indian companies, showcasing a robust participation in the procurement initiative. Notable contenders included the Adani Group, Jindal Defence, ICOMM, the Small Arms Factory based in Kanpur, PLR Systems, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), and Bharat Forge. In a significant move, Bharat Forge made a compelling bid of Rs 2,770 crore, effectively undercutting rival offers from PLR Systems at Rs 3,148 crore and Jindal Defence at Rs 3,379 crore, among others, demonstrating their competitive edge in the marketplace.
The selection bolsters Bharat Forge’s position in India’s growing defence industrial base. The company expects a 15–20% increase in defence orders in FY26, driven by both domestic orders and exports. KSS, which has posted strong export earnings in recent quarters, is now gearing up to ramp up production to meet the Army’s large-scale requirements.
Delivery Timeline and Strategic Implications
Following contract finalisation, deliveries are expected to begin within eight months and must be completed within 60 months (five years). The deal addresses a critical capability gap in the Army’s infantry weapon inventory and showcases the private sector’s growing maturity in high-quality defence production.
DRDO acknowledged the development in a social media post:
Significantly boosting #atmanirbharta in critical technology, 5.56×45 mm CQB Carbine, designed and developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment(ARDE), DRDO and produced by @BharatForgeLtd selected as L1 in #IndianArmy RFP pic.twitter.com/x7AoFxHT4i
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) June 23, 2025
This milestone signals a pivotal shift in India’s defence posture—from importer to potential exporter—with indigenous innovation, industrial partnerships, and self-reliance at the forefront.
Team BharatShakti
