Defence Ministry signs over Rs 4,666-crore deals for procurement of combat carbines, torpedoes, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Defence Ministry inked deals worth Rs 4,666 crore for CQB Carbines and heavyweight torpedoes.
• Contract includes 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines for the Indian Army and Navy, valued at Rs 2,770 crore.
• 48 heavyweight torpedoes will be procured and integrated for the Navy's Kalvari-class submarines at Rs 1,896 crore.
• CQB Carbine deal aims to replace legacy systems with indigenous technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
• Torpedo delivery is scheduled to commence in April 2028 and conclude by early 2030.

Detailed Insights:

• The CQB Carbine contract, awarded to Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, emphasizes collaboration between the government and private sector, boosting the Make-in-India initiative.
• The CQB Carbines will provide soldiers with a critical advantage in close combat due to their compact design and high rate of fire.
• Integration of heavyweight torpedoes will enhance the combat capabilities of the Navy's six Kalvari-class submarines (P-75).
• The Defence Ministry has signed capital contracts amounting to Rs 1,82,492 crore in FY 2025-26.
• The Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to empower indigenous defence industries by encouraging Indian MSMEs through components manufacturing and raw material supply.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Government initiative promoting self-reliance in defence and other sectors through indigenous production.
• Kalvari-class Submarines: A class of diesel-electric attack submarines based on the Scorpène-class submarine, designed for the Indian Navy.
• Make-in-India: Government initiative to encourage companies to manufacture their products in India.