Defense Ministry Signs ₹4,666 Crore Contracts for Carbines and Torpedoes

India continues to modernise its armed forces in line with evolving security needs. In this direction, the Ministry of Defense has signed defense contracts worth ₹4,666 crore. The deals focus on infantry weapons and naval underwater warfare systems. They strengthen both soldier-level combat power and submarine strike capability.

Why in the news?

The Ministry of Defence signed  defence contracts worth ₹4,666 crore to procure modern infantry weapons and advanced torpedoes for the Navy, aimed at enhancing soldier-level combat effectiveness and strengthening India’s underwater and submarine warfare capabilities.

About the Deal

• The contracts were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
• They include procurement of CQB Carbines for the Army and Navy and Heavy Weight Torpedoes for submarines.
• The move supports defence readiness and indigenous manufacturing.

Key Features of the Defence Contracts

1. CQB Carbines Procurement

• The MoD signed a contract worth ₹2,770 crore for the supply of over 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle carbines.
• These carbines will be inducted into the Indian Army and the Indian Navy.
• The contracts were awarded to Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems Private Limited.
• The weapons are compact, lightweight, and suitable for urban and close-combat missions.
• They will replace older small arms currently used by soldiers.

2. Heavy Weight Torpedoes Deal

• A separate contract worth ₹1,896 crore was signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L..
• The deal includes procurement of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes.
• These torpedoes are meant for the Indian Navy’s Kalvari Class submarines under Project-75.
• Deliveries will begin in April 2028 and conclude by early 2030.
• The torpedoes are equipped with advanced guidance and combat systems.

Background and Strategic Context

• India has long faced shortages in modern infantry weapons and submarine ammunition.
• Delayed acquisitions in the past affected combat readiness
• Recent years have seen faster approvals under emergency and capital procurement routes.
• The Kalvari Class submarines form the backbone of India’s conventional submarine fleet.
• Upgrading their weapon systems is critical amid rising activity in the Indian Ocean Region.

Significance of the Deal

• This defense deal is important for several reasons.
• It improves close-quarter combat capability of ground forces.
• It enhances underwater strike power of the Navy.
• The contracts also support Aatmanirbhar Bharat by prioritising Indian companies.
• MSMEs will benefit through component manufacturing and raw material supply.
• This leads to job creation and industrial growth.

Key Data At Glance

Question

Q. The Heavy Weight Torpedoes procured under the recent MoD contract are meant for which submarines?

A. Arihant Class
B. Shishumar Class
C. Kalvari Class
D. Chakra Class