Bharat Forge Wins ₹2,000 Cr Contract to Supply DRDO-Designed 5.56mm CQB Carbines to Indian Army
In a significant boost to India’s indigenous small arms manufacturing capability, Bharat Forge Ltd has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for a major ₹2000 crore contract to supply 4.5 lakh Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines to the Indian Army. The carbines, chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition, are based on a design developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and are intended to meet the Army’s long-pending demand for compact, modern, and reliable close-combat weapons.
This procurement marks a major milestone for the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative in the defense sector, with Bharat Forge—a part of the Kalyani Group—poised to become a key contributor to the Indian Army’s infantry modernization.
Operational Requirements: The Indian Army’s Specs for CQB Carbines
The Indian Army issued a detailed General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) for the CQB carbines to ensure they meet the demanding conditions of modern urban and jungle warfare. The key characteristics of the weapon are:
Calibre & Ammunition
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Calibre: 5.56 x 45mm
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Ammunition: Must be compatible with existing in-service Indian ammunition stockpiles, ensuring logistical ease and interoperability.
Range & Accuracy
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Effective Range: Minimum 200 meters
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Accuracy at 100 meters:
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Single Shot: 9 out of 10 shots within a 15 cm x 15 cm group
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Automatic Fire: Minimum 60% hits in a 24 cm x 24 cm target during short bursts from a full magazine
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Reliability
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Must not exceed:
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3 stoppages (Class I or II) per 2000 rounds
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Zero Class III stoppages, as per Indian Army’s Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 3-2-045
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Design & Ergonomics
Bayonet
Supplied with a detachable hardened bayonet (minimum blade length 120mm) with cover.
Vertical Forehand Grip
Detachable grip mountable at the 6 o’clock rail without tools.
Rail System (MIL-STD 1913 - Picatinny)
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Top Rail (12 O’clock): For optics and sights
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Side Rails (3, 6 & 9 O’clock): For accessories like lights, lasers, and grips
Weight & Dimensions
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Weight: Not exceeding 3 kg ±10% (excluding magazine and accessories)
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Length:
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Folded/ Retracted: Max 650mm
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Extended: Max 800mm
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Buttstock Configuration
Options include fixed, retractable, folding, or combination stocks for operational flexibility.
Performance in Harsh Environments
The weapon is expected to function reliably across a wide temperature spectrum:
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Cold: –20°C to –10°C
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Hot: +40°C to +45°C
It is also expected to have a minimum service life of 15 years or 15,000 rounds, backed by OEM certification.
Strategic Significance of the Bharat Forge Victory
Bharat Forge’s emergence as the L1 bidder signals a turning point in India’s effort to localize small arms production, a segment that has long relied on imports or licensed manufacturing. The DRDO’s design—validated through extensive testing—combined with Bharat Forge’s industrial might and manufacturing experience, promises to deliver a high-performance carbine suited to India’s unique operational environments.
The deal will not only equip frontline troops with state-of-the-art weapons but will also stimulate the domestic defense ecosystem, opening opportunities for Tier-2 and Tier-3 suppliers involved in materials, optics, and accessory manufacturing.
The ₹2000 crore CQB carbine project is more than just a contract—it represents India’s strategic shift toward self-sufficiency in critical infantry weapon systems. With modern warfare increasingly fought in close quarters—urban, jungle, and counter-terror environments—the induction of these DRDO-designed carbines will provide the Indian Army with a much-needed edge.
Bharat Forge’s success in this bid reaffirms the capability of India’s private sector to meet the armed forces’ complex requirements and paves the way for further indigenous innovation in infantry weaponry.
