New Delhi: In a major step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Indian Army is set to receive over 4.25 lakh indigenously developed Close-Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines as part of a mega procurement under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category.
The contract has been awarded to DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and Bharat Forge, a subsidiary of Kalyani Strategic Systems, after their bid emerged as the lowest (L1) in the competitive tender.
Announcing the development on Monday, DRDO said via social media platform X:
“Significantly boosting #Atmanirbharta in critical technology, 5.56×45 mm CQB Carbine, designed and developed by ARDE, DRDO, has been selected as L1 in the Indian Army’s Request for Proposal (RFP).”
The carbines—chambered for 5.56×45 mm ammunition—are specially designed for urban warfare, close-quarter combat, and counter-terrorism operations. These weapons are compact, lightweight, and highly maneuverable—key attributes needed for modern close-range engagements.
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
Key Specifications:
Effective Range: Minimum 200 meters
Weight (without magazine/accessories): Not exceeding 3 kg ±10%
Bayonet: Required, with a blade length of at least 120 mm and proper cover
Procurement Under ‘Buy (Indian)’ Category:
The defence ministry had issued an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in 2022, outlining the requirement for 4,25,213 carbines. The ‘Buy (Indian)’ category mandates that the weapons must be either:
- Indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured with at least 50% Indigenous Content (IC), or
- Assembled with minimum 60% IC if not fully designed in India
This project marks a significant achievement for India’s private defence manufacturing sector and underlines the government’s continued focus on promoting ‘Make in India’ in defence.
With this deal, the Indian Army will finally close a critical capability gap that has persisted for years due to multiple stalled procurement attempts in the past. The indigenous carbine is expected to begin delivery after formal contract signing and production clearance.
