Context:
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed major procurement contracts worth ₹4,666 crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Army and Navy. The acquisitions—covering Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines and Heavyweight Torpedoes—underscore India’s push towards force modernisation and indigenous defence manufacturing under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Key Highlights:
Procurement Details
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Total contract value: ₹4,666 crore.
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CQB Carbines:
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4.25 lakh units procured for the Indian Army and Navy.
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Contract value: ₹2,770 crore.
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Vendors: Bharat Forge Ltd. and PLR Systems Pvt. Ltd.
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Heavyweight Torpedoes:
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48 torpedoes for the Indian Navy.
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Contract value: ₹1,896 crore.
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Vendor: WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy.
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Intended for Kalvari Class (Project-75) submarines.
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Deliveries to commence from April 2028.
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Operational Significance
CQB Carbines
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Designed for close-combat and confined-space operations.
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Compact design with high lethality and rate of fire.
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Intended to replace obsolete small arms, improving soldier survivability.
Heavyweight Torpedoes
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Enhance the Navy’s underwater warfare and deterrence capabilities.
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Strengthen combat effectiveness of diesel-electric submarines under Project-75.
Indigenisation & Industrial Impact
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CQB Carbine project aligns with Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
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Demonstrates public–private collaboration in defence manufacturing.
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Provides a boost to MSMEs within the defence supply chain.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Modernisation and indigenisation of defence equipment.
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Key Initiatives:
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Aatmanirbhar Bharat – defence self-reliance
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Make in India – domestic manufacturing
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Defence Platforms:
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Kalvari Class submarines – part of Project-75
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Impact:
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Reduced import dependence
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Enhanced operational readiness of armed forces
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Key Definitions:
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CQB Carbine: Lightweight firearm for short-range combat.
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Heavyweight Torpedo: Advanced underwater weapon used by submarines.
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Internal Security Angle:
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Improved close-combat capabilities for counter-terror and urban warfare.
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Economic & Governance Perspective:
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Defence procurement as a driver of industrial growth and technological capability.
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Role of private sector and MSMEs in defence indigenisation.
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Way Forward:
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Accelerate indigenous R&D for complex systems like torpedoes
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Strengthen technology transfer and export potential
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Ensure timely delivery and lifecycle support
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 3: Defence, Internal Security, Industrial Growth
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GS 2: Governance, Public Procurement
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Prelims: Defence projects, Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat