DRDO, Bharat Forge Unveil Ultra-Light Rifle for Urban Combat
In a significant boost to India’s close-quarter combat capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Forge have jointly developed a lightweight Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbine tailored for urban warfare. Remarkably, the rifle weighs just around 3.3 kg—lighter than a typical kitchen pressure cooker—yet offers robust performance suitable for modern battlefield environments.
The carbine, designed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune and manufactured by Bharat Forge, has been built specifically for use in tight, urban scenarios where agility, speed, and quick reaction times are critical. It supports both NATO-standard and INSAS ammunition, has a 30-round magazine capacity, and an effective firing range of 200 metres.
Designed for Urban Warfare
This development answers a long-pending operational requirement from the Indian armed forces, particularly for missions involving building-to-building combat, hostage rescue, and counter-terrorism. Traditional rifles, often bulkier and less maneuverable, are poorly suited for close-quarter situations. The new CQB carbine addresses this with a shorter barrel, ergonomic build, and enhanced mobility features that allow for rapid target engagement in urban spaces.
The Ministry of Defence had earlier granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of over 4.25 lakh CQB carbines, indicating the strategic importance of this class of weapon. With the development now entering the production phase, Indian forces are poised to receive an indigenously made, high-performance firearm for specialised operations.
Strengthening Self-Reliance in Defence
Beyond battlefield utility, the project reflects India’s growing emphasis on defence self-reliance. It demonstrates a successful model of public-private collaboration where state-led R&D is paired with industrial manufacturing to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to Indian operational environments. The indigenous CQB carbine is expected to streamline procurement, cut dependency on imports, and accelerate equipment modernisation.
The rifle is expected to enter service shortly, with mass production to be scaled based on initial operational clearances. With its lightweight profile, versatility, and combat readiness, the new carbine is a crucial step in equipping Indian forces for modern-day urban warfare challenges.
