Key Facts and Data Points

  • Total contract value: ₹4,666 crore for infantry weapons and naval torpedoes.
  • Infantry weapons: Over 4.25 lakh (425,000) Close Quarter Battle Carbines to be supplied by Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd (India).
  • Naval torpedoes: 48 heavyweight torpedoes to be procured from WASS Submarine Systems (Italy) for the Kalvari‑class (Project‑75) Scorpène‑class diesel‑electric attack submarines.
  • Delivery schedule for torpedoes: 2028‑2030.
  • FY 2025‑26 MoD capital acquisition contracts: ₹1.82 lakh crore.

Background and Context

  • The Indian Army and Navy are modernising their small‑arms inventory to replace legacy rifles, enhancing combat effectiveness in urban and confined‑space environments.
  • The Kalvari‑class submarines, built in India under the Project‑75 programme, form a core component of the Navy’s underwater warfare capability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
  • The contracts align with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, aiming to reduce import dependence and promote domestic defence production, especially by MSMEs.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

  • Operational preparedness: Modern carbines with higher rate of fire and compact design improve infantry lethality and flexibility.
  • Underwater warfare capability: Indigenous submarines equipped with advanced heavyweight torpedoes boost sea‑denial and stealth surveillance, vital for strategic balance in the IOR.
  • Economic impact: Strengthens the domestic defence industrial base, creates jobs, and encourages technology transfer.
  • Policy reinforcement: Demonstrates the government's commitment to Make in India, Indigenisation, and self‑reliance in critical security sectors.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

  • Article 53 of the Constitution vests the executive power of the Union in the President, exercised through the Ministry of Defence for procurement.
  • Article 246 delineates the Union’s exclusive competence over defence matters, allowing centralised contracts and policy decisions.
  • Defence procurement is governed by the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2020 and the Strategic Partnership Model to promote indigenous development.

Prepared for UPSC aspirants – focus on factual details, policy implications, and constitutional context.