Pune (Maharashtra) [India], June 24 (ANI): The Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbine developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been hailed as a breakthrough in indigenous small arms production and a powerful tool for India’s infantry forces. Prateek Kishore, Scientist and Director General of Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE), DRDO, emphasized the weapon’s significance as a product of successful collaboration between research and manufacturing entities.
Designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune and manufactured by Bharat Forge, the CQB carbine demonstrates effective synergy between the development and production agencies. “It’s a proud moment for the country and DRDO,” said Kishore. “This carbine has been performance-evaluated against international standards and is meeting the requirements of the best-in-class weapons globally.”
Highlighting its tactical utility, Kishore noted that the compact weapon weighs approximately 3.3 kilograms and has an effective range of up to 200 meters. What sets it apart is its dual-ammunition capability—it can fire both NATO and INSAS rounds. “This unique feature enhances operational flexibility for our forces,” he added.
Close Quarter Battle carbines are specially designed for use in confined and dynamic combat environments such as urban warfare zones, alleyways, dense forests, or fortified bunkers, where mobility and rapid target engagement are crucial. Unlike standard assault rifles, these carbines prioritize lightweight maneuverability, quick aiming, and precision fire.
The DRDO CQB Carbine has been engineered to address long-standing operational gaps in India’s infantry arsenal, particularly in anti-terror operations and close-quarter combat. It uses 5.56x30mm INSAS ammunition and features an effective range of 200 meters. The weapon includes a 30-round curved magazine to ensure reliable feeding during rapid fire. Its shorter barrel and modern ergonomics provide improved handling in tight spaces, while enhanced reliability and lethality make it ideal for close-quarters battle scenarios.
The Indian Army has sought such weapons for years but has faced procurement delays due to repeated tender cancellations. If the Army proceeds with acquiring this carbine, it could become one of the largest contracts for domestically developed small arms, marking a major milestone in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
The successful rollout of this weapon aligns with the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative, reflecting the growing competence of India’s defense R&D and industrial ecosystem. (ANI)
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