Bharat Forge to Start Mass Production of DRDO-Designed CQB Carbines in Weeks
Industrialist Baba Kalyani, Chairman of Bharat Forge, has confirmed that Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) will begin production of the Indian Army’s newly ordered Close-Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines within the next few weeks. Speaking at the R Defence Forces First Conclave 2026, Kalyani said the company is now entering the manufacturing phase following the award of one of the Indian Army’s largest-ever indigenous small arms procurement contracts.
The confirmation marks an important milestone for India’s efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with the programme moving from contract award to serial production.
The Indian Army placed an order for 425,213 CQB carbines under a contract valued at approximately ₹2,770 crore. Following a competitive bidding process, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) emerged as the L1 (lowest) bidder and secured 60 percent of the total order, amounting to 255,128 carbines worth around ₹1,662 crore.
The remaining 40 percent, or approximately 170,085 carbines, was awarded to Adani Defence & Aerospace’s Adani PLR Systems, ensuring that production responsibilities are shared between two major Indian private-sector defence manufacturers.
The contract was signed in late December 2025, with deliveries scheduled over a five-year period. Baba Kalyani’s latest remarks indicate that KSSL has now completed the necessary preparations to transition from contract finalisation to full-scale ma
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Indian defense modernization.
- Technology induction and operational readiness.