Bharat Forge signs contract with MoD for supply of indigenous Close Quarter Battle Carbines

An MoD press statement on Tuesday read, “As a cornerstone of the modern infantry arsenal, the CQB Carbine provides a critical edge in close combat through its compact design and high rate of fire, ensuring rapid, decisive lethality in confined spaces. The contract highlights the synergy between the Government and the private sector which will further give impetus to the Make-in-India initiative. This project will also play a pivotal role in boosting the overall economy, increasing employment avenues and will also empower indigenous defence industries by encouraging Indian MSMEs through components’ manufacturing and raw material supply.”

The 5.56×45 mm CQB carbine is a light weight, compact, effective weapon for use in close combat Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism (CI/CT) operations. The design of CQB carbine is based on the high strength steel alloy based machined upper and lower bodies with bottom opening configuration. The CQB carbine is designed to fire in-service 5.56×45 mm ammunition. One of the unique features is it can fire both the NATO ammunition and INSAS ammunition. The weapon weighs less than 3.3kg with an effective range of 200 meters. ARDE-Bharat Forge CQB is a 100 percent Make in India weapon, DRDO officials said. The carbine uses forged steel technology and metal injection moulding technology which makes it highly reliable and accurate. The weapon is equipped with a 30 round magazine with a very high rate of fire.