New Delhi: India has taken a significant step toward strengthening its military capabilities by signing major defence procurement contracts aimed at boosting the firepower of both the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. On December 30, the Ministry of Defence finalized high-value deals with domestic and international partners to modernize weapons systems, enhance close-combat efficiency, and significantly improve underwater warfare capabilities.

These agreements, signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, underline the government’s commitment to equipping the armed forces with modern, reliable, and battle-ready systems while simultaneously promoting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

₹2,770 Crore Deal for Advanced CQB Carbines

One of the key highlights of the announcement is a ₹2,770 crore contract signed with Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems for the supply of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines along with associated accessories. These new-generation carbines are set to replace outdated small arms currently used by the Indian Army.

The CQB carbines are designed specifically for modern combat environments where engagements often take place in confined spaces such as urban areas, dense forests, and counter-terror operations. Their compact design, lightweight structure, and high rate of fire make them ideal for rapid response and precise action. Defence officials say this upgrade will substantially enhance the Army’s close-quarter combat effectiveness and improve soldier survivability in high-risk missions.

Navy to Receive 48 Heavyweight Torpedoes

In another major boost to India’s maritime strength, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth approximately ₹1,896 crore with Italy-based WASS Submarine Systems for the procurement of 48 heavyweight torpedoes. These torpedoes are specifically meant for India’s Scorpene-class, also known as Kalvari-class, submarines.

Once inducted, these heavyweight torpedoes will significantly enhance the Navy’s underwater strike capability, enabling submarines to detect, track, and neutralize enemy vessels with greater precision. According to officials, this acquisition will improve India’s deterrence posture in the Indian Ocean region and strengthen its overall undersea warfare readiness.

The delivery of these torpedoes is scheduled between 2028 and 2030, ensuring a steady upgrade of naval combat assets over the coming years.

Strategic Impact on Defence Preparedness

Defence experts believe these procurements mark a crucial step in modernizing India’s armed forces. The induction of CQB carbines will give infantry units faster reaction capability and superior firepower during tactical operations, while the heavyweight torpedoes will allow the Navy to dominate underwater battle space more effectively.

Together, these systems address two critical domains of warfare—land-based close combat and underwater naval operations—making the armed forces more versatile and lethal across multiple threat scenarios.

Boost to ‘Make in India’ and Employment

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that these defence deals are not just about military strength but also about economic and industrial growth. By involving Indian companies such as Bharat Forge and PLR Systems, the government is reinforcing the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.

A statement from the Ministry noted that the contracts align closely with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, focusing on replacing older systems with cutting-edge indigenous technologies. This approach is expected to generate new employment opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and reduce long-term dependence on imports.

A Step Toward World-Class Armed Forces

Officials described the agreements as an “extraordinary step” toward equipping Indian soldiers and sailors with world-class weaponry. With evolving security challenges on land and at sea, such timely upgrades are seen as essential for maintaining operational readiness and strategic superiority.

As India continues to invest in modern defence infrastructure, these latest procurements signal a clear intent to build a technologically advanced, self-reliant, and combat-ready military capable of safeguarding national interests in an increasingly complex global security environment.