NEW DELHI: Defence Ministry Signs ₹4,666 Crore Contracts for Carbines and Heavyweight Torpedoes
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, signed two significant defence procurement contracts valued at a total of ₹4,666 crore, marking a major boost to India’s military modernisation and indigenous defence manufacturing push. The Times of India+1
The agreements — concluded in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh — cover the procurement of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines for the Indian Army and Navy and heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet. barbench.in
1. Over 4.25 Lakh CQB Carbines for Army & Navy
The first contract, valued at ₹2,770 crore, involves the acquisition of more than 4.25 lakh CQB carbines, to be supplied to both the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. AffairsCloud
- The contract was awarded to Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, with Bharat Forge set to supply roughly 60% of the order and PLR Systems providing the remaining 40%. AffairsCloud
- These carbines are designed for close-combat and urban warfare environments, with a compact build and high rate of fire suitable for engagements in confined spaces. PMF IAS
- The procurement is part of a broader effort to replace aging legacy weapons — such as older submachine guns based on designs from the 1940s — with modern, more effective infantry small arms. Hindustan Times
The deal also aligns with the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative and the Make-in-India programme, aimed at strengthening domestic defence production and increasing collaboration with Indian industry. Nimbus Academy
2. 48 Heavyweight Torpedoes for Kalvari-Class Submarines
The second contract, worth approximately ₹1,896 crore, was signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., an Italian defence manufacturer, for the procurement and integration of 48 heavyweight torpedoes for the Indian Navy. Rediff
- These advanced torpedoes are intended for deployment on the Kalvari-class (Scorpene-class) submarines under Project-75, enhancing India’s underwater strike and deterrence capability. barbench.in
- Deliveries of the torpedoes are expected to begin in April 2028 and be completed by early 2030. barbench.in
- The acquisition underscores the Navy’s efforts to bolster the lethality and operational readiness of its submarine fleet amid a dynamic maritime security environment. Hindustan Times
Strategic Context
These contracts come as part of a wider wave of capital acquisition deals signed by the Defence Ministry in the 2025–26 financial year, reflecting a renewed emphasis on modernising India’s land and naval combat capabilities. Moneycontrol
By focusing on both infantry weapons and underwater warfare systems, the government is aiming to enhance operational effectiveness across multiple domains while also deepening domestic industrial participation in defence production. gktoday.in