Bharat Forge to Manufacture 60% of 4.25 Lakh ARDE-Designed Carbines, PLR Systems Likely to Build the Rest

Bharat Forge has emerged as the lowest (L1) bidder in a large-scale carbine procurement tender floated by the Ministry of Defence, securing a contract to manufacture 2,55,128 Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines. These weapons were developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and are intended to modernize India’s infantry with more reliable, compact, and indigenous solutions for close-combat operations.

The total requirement for the Indian armed forces is 4,25,213 carbines, and with Bharat Forge securing the L1 status, the remaining 1,70,085 carbines—about 40% of the total order—are likely to be awarded to the second-lowest (L2) bidder, PLR Systems, under India’s procurement policy that allows for parallel contracting in large-volume orders.

Aatmanirbhar Weapon for Close Combat

The CQB carbine is chambered in 5.56×45 mm, compatible with both NATO standard and INSAS ammunition, and is optimized for close-quarters urban combat, especially for infantry, mechanized forces, and special operations units.

Key specifications of the carbine include:

• Caliber: 5.56×45 mm

• Weight: Approx. 3–3.5 kg

• Effective Range: ≥200 meters

• Magazine: 30-round detachable box

• Firing Mode: Semi-automatic & automatic

The carbine is lighter than a kitchen pressure cooker, as highlighted in recent reports, and was designed for fast deployment, high mobility, and effective lethality in tight environments like bunkers, buildings, and trenches. It successfully passed summer and winter trials across diverse Indian terrains, earning qualification under Naval Staff Qualitative Requirements (NSQR).

Contract Value and Distribution

According to information shared during a recent interaction with India TV, Bharat Forge’s bid for the 60% share is valued at approximately ₹1,700 crore, while PLR Systems is estimated to receive the remaining 40% share, worth around ₹1,100 crore.

This deal marks one of the largest infantry weapon contracts in recent Indian defence history.

Indigenous Defence Ecosystem in Motion

Bharat Forge, a key player in India's defence manufacturing sector, partnered with DRDO to refine and produce this weapon through advanced forging, precision machining, and metal injection molding (MIM) processes. Its manufacturing strength and experience in artillery systems gave it an edge during technical evaluations and pricing.

The carbine’s development falls under the "Buy (Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured)" [Buy (IDDM)] category, which mandates high levels of indigenous content—further boosting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

PLR Systems: Trusted Partner for the Remaining 40%

The L2 contender, PLR Systems, is a joint venture between Adani Group and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). PLR has already been manufacturing the Tavor, Galil ACE, and X95 rifles in India and is expected to absorb 40% of the carbine order under the multi-vendor procurement clause.

PLR Systems’ experience in local assembly and supply chain management, backed by Israeli firearm expertise, makes it a strong choice to complement Bharat Forge in this dual-sourcing strategy.

Strategic Importance for Indian Armed Forces

This large-scale procurement comes after years of stalled tenders and shifting strategies to replace aging 9mm Sterling submachine guns, which have been in service for decades. With this new order:

• Frontline troops will finally get a modern, compact, high-performance carbine for CQB roles.

• Two domestic companies will lead high-volume defence manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign imports.

• DRDO’s R&D capabilities are validated through successful deployment of a combat-ready weapon designed in-house.

With contract finalization expected soon, production is likely to begin later this year, with initial deliveries projected by mid-2026. This deal also opens the door for future exports to friendly nations, once domestic deliveries are fulfilled.

The Indian Army’s carbine requirement is finally being met—not by imports, but through homegrown innovation and industrial capacity. With Bharat Forge taking the lead and PLR Systems likely to follow, India is demonstrating its ability to build, test, and scale modern infantry weapons entirely on its own soil. This not only strengthens the military but also marks a victory for India’s growing defence manufacturing ecosystem.