New Delhi : In a significant stride towards modernising its infantry capabilities, the Indian Army will begin inducting Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines from 2026, following the finalisation of a landmark procurement contract worth Rs 27,770 crore. The deal will see the acquisition of 4.25 lakh CQB carbines, aiming to replace outdated small arms across frontline units and enhance the Army’s operational edge in close combat scenarios.
Announced on Wednesday, the contract was signed last month between the Ministry of Defence and two domestic manufacturers: Bharat Forge, a unit of Kalyani Strategic Systems, and PLR Systems, a joint venture between the Adani Group and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).
The carbines, chambered in 5.56×45mm, are set to become the standard issue weapon across infantry units under the procurement plan. Bharat Forge will supply 60 per cent of the total order (2.55 lakh carbines), while PLR Systems will deliver the remaining 1.7 lakh units (40 per cent).
Speaking to media during an informal interaction, Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, Director General of Infantry, emphasised the urgency of the fast-track modernisation drive. “Companies must supply the entire consignment within two years,” he said, outlining strict delivery timelines for both firms.
Lt Gen Kumar underlined the move as a crucial step under the Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ initiative, which focuses on modernisation, self-reliance, and elevating human resource capabilities.
“Wars are not fought with borrowed weapons,” he said, reiterating the importance of Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production. “The Infantry of tomorrow will be technologically advanced, modular and versatile — capable of fighting and winning in multi-domain environments.”
The procurement also draws on operational experience, with Lt Gen Kumar citing lessons from Operation Sindoor, where precision, jointness, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities proved vital. He stated that future operations would increasingly rely on advanced ISR assets and technology-driven warfare.
With this contract, the Army is not only bridging longstanding capability gaps but also aligning with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ vision, leveraging domestic manufacturing capacity in partnership with global defence expertise.
The induction of the new CQB carbines is expected to significantly boost infantry lethality, mobility, and tactical flexibility, particularly in urban warfare and counter-terror operations.
