News

In a significant move towards the indigenously-produced rifles, the Indian Army has signed a contract to buy 4.25 lakh close-quarter carbines from two manufacturing entities-Bharat Forge and PLR Systems.

Bharat Forge, a unit of Kalyani Strategic Systems, will supply 2.5 lakh close-quarter carbines out of the total order, while the remaining units will be supplied by PLR Systems.

The carbines for the DRDO-developed rifles are said to replace the vintage carbines that were phased out a long time ago.

The India Army's Director General (Infantry) Lt Gen Ajay Kumar told the reporters at a briefing, "The Indian Army has signed a contract worth Rs 2,700 crore to buy 4.25 lakh carbines from Bharat Forge and PLR Systems. The weapons can fire 5.56 mm bullets and will help in enhancing the capability of the troops in operations", as reported by ANI.

Following the major close-quarter carbines contract, the deliveries of the carbines are expected to commence from next year onwards.

The procurement is being presented as a step for a broader push towards Atmanirbharta in defence production.

Lt Gen Kumar also emphasised that the infantry has moved towards the motto of 'shoot to kill' and has replaced its older 5.56 mm rifles with the 7.62 mm American Sig Sauer and Russian-origin AK-203 assault rifles.

The Indian Army has taken various steps to address the shortage of advanced rifles for its troops. Additionally, the Indian Army plans to induct weapons to be in service for the next 20 to 30 years.

Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines, or close-quarter carbines, are compact, lightweight weapons designed for urban warfare, close-range engagements, and counter-terrorism operations.

It is designed for combat in confined environments like buildings, alleyways, forests, or bunkers. These weapons prioritise manoeuvrability in tight spaces, unlike full-length rifles.

The weapon is said to fire both NATO ammunition and INSAS ammunition, which makes it one of its own class.

Weight: 3.3 kilograms

Effective range: Not less than 200 meters

Calibre: 5.56×30mm

The weapon uses a 30-round curved magazine to ensure reliable feeding during rapid fire.