As the lowest bidder (L1) in the Indian Army’s main tender for the supply of more than 4.25 lakh locally produced 5.56×45 mm close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines, Bharat Forge is doing so through its defense subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems.
Since the introduction of the INSAS rifles more than 20 years ago, this contract—which is expected to be worth around ₹2,000 crore—represents the single largest order for carbines designed and produced locally.
The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) created the CQB carbine, which Bharat Forge will manufacture.
“DRDO was chosen as L1 in the Indian Army Request for Proposal (RFP) for the 5.56×45 mm CQB Carbine, designed and developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), significantly boosting #Atmanirbharta in critical technology,” DRDO posted on “X.”
By replacing the decades-old Sterling submachine guns, which are no longer suitable for close-quarters warfare in the modern world, this weapon directly addresses the Army’s long-standing requirement for a small, modern weapon that is suited for urban, jungle, and counterterrorism operations.
The procurement falls under the “Buy (Indian)” category, which requires that products include at least 50% indigenous content if they are created, developed, and manufactured in India, or at least 60% indigenous content by cost if they are not. This is in line with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” programs, which seek to increase independence and lessen reliance on imported weapons.
With contemporary features like a modular rail system for mounting optics and attachments, the 5.56×45 mm CQB carbine is made to be lighter, more maneuverable, and easier to handle than conventional rifles. Compared to the more antiquated 9×19 mm Sterling carbines, it has more stopping power and is compatible with current logistics thanks to its usage of NATO-standard ammunition.
Bharat Forge has benefited greatly from the contract victory, as seen by an increase in share price and a strengthening of its defense order book, which as of March 2025 was close to ₹9,500 crore. The company anticipates that domestic defense orders will continue to rise, solidifying its position as a major participant in India’s defense manufacturing industry.
A significant milestone in India’s defense indigenization process, Bharat Forge’s selection as the supplier of more than 4.25 lakh DRDO-developed CQB carbines promises to improve the Indian Army’s operational capabilities while advancing the country’s strategic objective of self-reliance in vital defense technologies.
