SOURCE: AFI
In a landmark achievement for India’s defense indigenization efforts, a 5.56x45mm Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbine, designed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Forge’s subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd, has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in the Indian Army’s recent procurement tender.
Valued at approximately ?2,000 crore, this contract represents the largest single order for an Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured (IDDM) weapon system since the induction of the INSAS rifle in the early 2000s. The success of this carbine underscores the growing capabilities of India’s defense industry and the government’s push for self-reliance under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The Indian Army has been seeking a modern replacement for its aging 9x19mm Sterling carbines, which have been in service for over two decades and are considered outdated for contemporary close-quarter combat scenarios. The Sterling, a submachine gun designed in the 1940s, lacks the versatility and firepower required for modern operations, particularly in counter-insurgency and urban warfare. The DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune took up the challenge of designing a next-generation CQB carbine tailored to the Army’s needs.
The new 5.56x45mm CQB carbine is a compact, lightweight weapon optimized for close-quarter engagements, offering superior accuracy, reliability, and adaptability compared to its predecessor. Its design incorporates modern features such as a modular rail system for mounting optics, laser designators, and other accessories, making it suitable for special forces, infantry units, and paramilitary operations. The carbine’s 5.56x45mm NATO-standard ammunition ensures compatibility with existing Indian Army logistics while delivering enhanced stopping power over the 9x19mm rounds used by the Sterling.
The Indian Army’s tender for the CQB carbine, part of a broader effort to modernize its small arms inventory, initially attracted interest from foreign manufacturers, including global giants like Israel’s IWI and American firms. However, a pivotal policy shift in 2022, driven by the Ministry of Defence’s focus on indigenization, restricted the tender to Indian vendors under the IDDM category. This move aligned with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, which prioritizes domestic design and production to reduce reliance on foreign imports and strengthen India’s defense industrial base.
The DRDO-Bharat Forge carbine underwent rigorous trials, competing against other Indian-Foreign designed systems. The trials evaluated performance parameters such as accuracy, reliability under harsh conditions, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. The carbine’s selection as the L1 bidder—indicating it offered the lowest price while meeting all technical requirements—marks a significant victory for DRDO’s ARDE and Bharat Forge, a leading Indian conglomerate known for its expertise in metallurgy and defense manufacturing.
Bharat Forge, through Kalyani Strategic Systems, brings its manufacturing prowess to the table. The company has invested heavily in defense production, establishing state-of-the-art facilities to produce small arms, artillery systems, and protected vehicles. Its ability to deliver high-quality systems at competitive costs played a crucial role in securing the L1 status. The ?2,000 crore contract will see large-scale production of the carbine at Bharat Forge’s Pune facility, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
The induction of the DRDO-Bharat Forge CQB carbine is a milestone for India’s defense ecosystem. With an estimated requirement of over 350,000 carbines, the contract not only addresses a critical operational gap but also establishes a scalable model for future IDDM projects. The Army’s decision to prioritize indigenous systems reflects a broader shift in India’s defense acquisition strategy, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers like Russia, Israel, and the United States, which have historically dominated the small arms market.
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