The time has finally come to bid farewell to the World War II carbines as the Defense Ministry has signed an agreement to manufacture 4.25 lakh modern close quarter carbines for the Indian Army. This agreement has been signed with Bharat Forge and PLR Systems (Adani Group).
According to the Defense Ministry, a contract for more than 4.25 lakh close quarter battle carbines and accessories worth Rs 2770 crore for the Indian Army and Navy was signed with Bharat Forge Limited and PLR Systems Private Limited. On Tuesday, this contract was signed in the presence of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in South Block in the capital Delhi.
It is believed that in this contract, a contract worth Rs 2000 crore has been signed with Bharat Forge Company of Pune. Bharat Forge in collaboration with Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed indigenous 5.56×45 mm CQB carbine.
DRDO has played an important role
Pune-based DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment has played an important role in the design of this carbine gun. This carbine is very light as well as compact and very powerful. There is no solution to this in close quarter combat.
PLR Systems Company was purchased by Adani Defense and Aerospace Company in the year 2021. Israel’s IWI (Israel Weapon Industries) also has a stake in this company. Israeli weapons are manufactured under Make in India in the plant of PLR Company located in Gwalior.
Defense Ministry issued a statement, know what it said
After both these agreements, the Defense Ministry issued a statement saying that this achievement is the culmination of extraordinary and sustained efforts to equip Indian soldiers with world-class firepower and replace old systems with state-of-the-art indigenous technology under the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Being a vital part of the modern infantry arsenal, the Close Quarter Battle Carbine provides a decisive edge in close combat due to its compact design and high firepower, ensuring quick and decisive firepower even in confined spaces. This contract reflects the synergy between the government and the private sector, which will further accelerate the Make-in-India initiative.
CQB i.e. Close Quarter Battle Carbine is specially made for close combat. For example, in a war zone or during an encounter with terrorists, when there is a one-on-one fight with the enemy, this carbine will be very effective. Apart from being light, it is fast and small.
Its weight is only around a kilo. In such a situation, this weapon will be used as a service weapon of soldiers (and military officers) so that it can be easily hung on the shoulder for a long time. Talking about its features, this carbine is compact and highly effective, which will make it an ideal weapon for special forces and anti-terrorism units.
Sholay fame will replace Sterling Carbine
The new CQB will replace the Sterling Carbine of World War II (from the movie ‘Sholay’). The sub-machine gun Sterling Carbine, designed in 1940, is currently used in the Indian Army. After which DRDO’s ARDE started work on making a new carbine.
Although the use of the old carbine had almost been stopped in the army for some years, it was still seen in the hands of soldiers at some places in the peace areas.
