Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines
Why in news?
The Indian Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹4,666 crore in late December 2025 for Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines, primarily for the Army and Navy, marking a key step in modernizing infantry small arms.​
Key Features of CQB Carbine
- Caliber: 5.56 × 45 mm NATO standard
- Design: Compact and lightweight, ideal for close combat in confined spaces
- Effective Use: Counter-Insurgency (CI) and Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations
- Indigenous Development: Jointly developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and Bharat Forge Ltd
- Modernization Role: Replaces legacy infantry weapons with advanced, indigenous systems
Latest Developments
- Contracts Signed: India inked defence deals worth ₹4,666 crore for over 4.25 lakh CQB carbines and 48 heavyweight torpedoes.
- Manufacturers: Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd (Adani Defence + Israel Weapon Industries JV) will supply carbines.
- Delivery Timeline: Expected completion within 2–5 years, with phased induction into the Army and Navy.
- Strategic Impact: Enhances India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing and strengthens infantry lethality in close combat.
Challenges & Considerations
- Range Limitation: CQB carbines are less effective in open battlefields compared to full-length rifles.
- Training Needs: Troops require specialized CQB training for maximum effectiveness.
- Logistics: Large-scale induction demands robust supply chains and maintenance infrastructure.
Download Pdf
