The Ministry of Defence has awarded Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) a contract worth ₹1,661.9 crore for the supply of 255,128 Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbines (5.56 x 45 mm) to the Indian Army. The contract was signed on 30 December 2025 and will be executed over a period of five years.
The CQB Carbine is a compact 5.56 x 45 mm firearm that has been designed, developed, and manufactured in India under the Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category. The weapon has been jointly developed by the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), DRDO, and Bharat Forge Limited, Pune.
Through this contract, Bharat Forge Limited and its wholly owned defence subsidiary, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), continue their focus on supplying domestically produced defence equipment to the Indian Armed Forces in support of national self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Bharat Forge Limited is one of India’s leading engineering and manufacturing companies, known globally for its expertise in forging, machining, and advanced industrial solutions.
Established in 1961 and headquartered in Pune, the company is part of the Kalyani Group and has built a strong presence across automotive, industrial, aerospace, defence, oil and gas, railways, and construction sectors. Bharat Forge has earned a reputation for manufacturing high-quality, safety-critical components for some of the world’s largest automotive and industrial original equipment manufacturers.
With operations spanning India, Europe, North America, and Asia, the company combines large-scale manufacturing capabilities with strong design, engineering, and metallurgical expertise. In recent years, Bharat Forge has significantly expanded its footprint in defence and aerospace manufacturing.
Through its dedicated defence arm, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, the company designs and produces artillery systems, armoured solutions, small arms, and advanced defence platforms, many of which are developed in India. This focus aligns with the country’s push for indigenous defence production and reduced dependence on imports.
Driven by innovation, digital manufacturing, and sustainability, Bharat Forge continues to invest in advanced technologies and next-generation solutions. Its emphasis on quality, precision engineering, and global partnerships has positioned the company as a trusted supplier and a key contributor to India’s industrial and defence ecosystem.
