In October 2025, the Indian Army (IA) signed a contract worth Rs. 2,700 crore to procure 4.25 lakh close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines, marking a significant step in modernising infantry small arms and promoting indigenous defence production.
- In the total order, 2.5 lakh carbines will be supplied by Bharat Forge, a unit of Kalyani Strategic Systems, while the remaining 1.75 lakh will be provided by Adani PLR Systems, a joint venture of Adani Group and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).
Exam Hints:
Agreement 1:
- What? IA signed contract for the procurement of 4.25 lakh CQB carbines
- Contract Value: Rs. 2,700 crore
- Vendors: Bharat Forge (2.5 lakh units, 60%), Adani PLR Systems (1.75 lakh units, 40%)
- Caliber: 5.56×45 mm NATO
- Delivery Timeline: Starting 2026; full consignment within 2 years
- Objective: Replace vintage carbines; enhance operational capability
Agreement 2:
- What? MoU Signed
- Entities: Indian Army(IA) & Delhi Technological University (DTU)
- Purpose: To promote research and skill development
- Focus Areas: Defence Technology, AI, Robotics, Cyber Security, Geoinformatics, Data Analytics, and Soldier Upskilling
About the Procurement of CQB Carbines:
Role & design: A short, lightweight CQB carbine built for close-quarters urban and indoor combat, prioritizing manoeuvrability.
Ammunition: 5.56×45 millimeter (mm) North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) rounds.
Doctrine Change: Infantry has adopted a “shoot to kill” approach, replacing older 5.56 mm rifles with 7.62 mm platforms like American Sig Sauer and Russian-origin Avtomat Kalashnikova model 203 (AK-203) rifles.
Replacement Rationale: Set to replace obsolete Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) carbines, addressing advanced rifle shortages and ensuring a 20–30 year service life.
Deployment Timeline: Vendors must complete deliveries within two years, with CQB carbines scheduled for induction into Army service starting in 2026.
Indian Army Signed MoU with DTU to Enhance Defence Research and Skill Development
In October 2025, the Indian Army (IA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi, to enhance collaboration in research, innovation, and skill development across critical advanced technological domains.
About the MoU between IA and DTU:
Focus Areas: The partnership will cover joint research and academic initiatives in Defence Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cyber Security, Geoinformatics, Data Analytics, and Soldier Upskilling.
Vision: The initiative envisions a technologically empowered and future-ready IA, enhance military–civil synergy, and promote self-reliance in defence technology aligned with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
About Indian Army (IA):
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) – General Upendra Dwivedi
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 1895
Motto – Seva Paramo Dharma (Service Before Self)
