Under the agreements, the Indian Army will induct more than 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines, while the Indian Navy will acquire 48 modern heavyweight torpedoes for its Kalvari-class submarines. Officials said the acquisitions are designed to address operational gaps and enhance lethality in both land and undersea warfare.
According to the Defence Ministry, contracts worth ₹2,770 crore have been finalised for the carbines and associated equipment. The rifles will be supplied by India Forge Limited and PLR Systems Private Limited, supporting domestic manufacturing under the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The new carbines are intended to replace ageing small arms and improve the Army’s effectiveness in close-combat and counter-terror operations.
In a separate deal valued at ₹1,896 crore, the Navy has signed a contract with Italian firm WASS Submarine Systems SRL for the procurement of heavyweight torpedoes. These weapons are designed to significantly enhance the underwater strike capability of Kalvari-class submarines by enabling them to detect, track and destroy hostile submarines and surface vessels with greater precision.
The Defence Ministry said deliveries of the torpedoes will begin in April 2028 and continue until early 2030. Officials described the acquisition as critical for maintaining undersea dominance in the Indian Ocean Region amid increasing naval activity.
Tuesday’s contracts follow a decision taken a day earlier by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which approved defence proposals worth approximately ₹79,000 crore. Those approvals included the procurement of Nag anti-tank guided missiles, loitering munitions, advanced radars, anti-drone systems and upgrades to the Pinaka rocket system for the Army.
For the Navy, the DAC cleared purchases such as remotely piloted aircraft systems and communication equipment to strengthen maritime surveillance and operational reach. The Indian Air Force is set to receive advanced air-to-air missiles, precision-guided munitions, pilot simulators and automated take-off and landing recording systems.
Defence officials said the back-to-back decisions reflect a sustained push to modernise the armed forces with a mix of indigenous and proven foreign technology. Analysts note that the focus on submarines, drones and precision weapons underlines India’s emphasis on deterrence and readiness in a rapidly evolving security environment.
