Dikhyaa Mohanty 
After winning a significant purchase deal, the Indian Army will start integrating Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines into its forces in 2026. In order to modernize and replace small guns in infantry formations, 4.25 lakh CQB carbines would be purchased as part of the Rs 27,770 crore contract. The Director General of Infantry, Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, claims that defense companies have been given a tight deadline to finish supplies.
The Defense Ministry and two manufacturing companies, Bharat Forge, a division of Kalyani Strategic Systems, and PLR Systems, a joint venture between the Adani Group and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), inked the deal last month. 5.56×45mm CQB carbines are specified in the order as the standard issue for the new acquisition. In accordance with the deal, PLR Systems will supply the remaining 40%, or 170,000 rifles, while Bharat Forge will deliver 60% of the overall order, or 255,000 rifles.
The purchase is being promoted as a component of a larger initiative to link domestic manufacturing with strategic alliances in defense production, so achieving Atmanirbharta. Notably, the DG Infantry stated that “wars are not fought with borrowed weapons” in a casual media appearance on Wednesday. The Indian Army is going through a significant transition under the Decade of Transformation project, which focuses on modernization, self-reliance, and human resource excellence, Lt Gen Kumar reaffirmed that the infantry is still at the forefront of the force.
Lt Gen Kumar highlighted the significance of accuracy, cooperation, and technology-driven combat while highlighting lessons learned during Operation Sindoor. While discussing Operation Sindoor, he also discussed the integration with upgraded Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets.
