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Small Arms & Tactical Equipment
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Look at the fluting on that barrel
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India’s new Raptor .300 Blackout rifle makes international debut at Milipol 2025
Written by Jérôme Brahy
20 Nov, 2025 - 11:07
Defense News Army 2025
India’s SSS Defence introduced the Raptor .300 Blackout carbine at Milipol 2025 in Paris as part of its first full international presentation of new small arms.
India’s SSS Defence introduced the Raptor .300 Blackout carbine at Milipol 2025 in Paris, as part of its first full international presentation of indigenous infantry weapons. The Raptor was developed as part of India’s intent to compete in the global tactical weapons market, while expanding its domestic production capacity and gauging the export potential for compact suppressed weapons in the .300 Blackout caliber.
The Raptor is a compact, integrally suppressed .300 Blackout carbine built around a short stroke piston system with an adjustable gas regulator, modular Picatinny interfaces, ambidextrous controls, and barrel options optimised for both subsonic and supersonic ammunition. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
India’s private small arms manufacturer SSS Defence showcased its brand new Raptor .300 Blackout carbine at Milipol 2025 in Paris, presenting the rifle chambered in 7.62 x 35 mm as part of its first full display of indigenous infantry weapons at a major international military and law enforcement exhibition. The company describes the Raptor as entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in Bharat for special forces, SWAT units, and law enforcement customers, aligning the project with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives aimed at demonstrating India’s ability to produce modern small arms. The Raptor was shown with its compact, integrally suppressed design, short-stroke piston operating system, monolithic upper receiver, aluminium handguard, and adjustable gas regulator configured for both supersonic and subsonic ammunition types.
Its appearance at Milipol follows a series of domestic unveilings and social media announcements during 2025, including its presentation at the International Police Expo in New Delhi and earlier promotional material emphasising that the 300 BLK caliber is used by international units such as the US Special Operations Command and Germany’s KSK and KSM. SSS Defence links the Raptor to a broader effort to introduce Indian-made small arms to foreign customers, noting that early development interest came from users outside India, with Armenia mentioned as a likely initial requester. The firm also highlights the weapon as part of its strategy to expand production through a new facility planned to become fully operational by late 2025, supporting potential demand from Indian special forces and export markets.
The Raptor’s introduction at Milipol 2025 builds upon SSS Defence’s domestic announcements from August and September 2025, which described the rifle as a fully indigenous .300 Blackout tactical rifle tailored for modern special forces, designed to function as a natural extension of the operator through ergonomics, modularity, and signature reduction. SSS Defence states that the Raptor was engineered over a six-month period and incorporates patented Indian technology, particularly in its integrated suppressor design, which forms part of the barrel rather than being attached externally. The company also links the weapon to its wider portfolio, which includes the M72 carbine that won a 2,000-unit order from the Uttar Pradesh Police, and other weapons shown at events such as the International Police Expo 2025 in New Delhi.
Company statements underline that the Raptor challenges the long-held perception that advanced small arms originate only from the United States, Russia, Germany, Israel, or Arab producers, instead presenting India as a country capable of designing and manufacturing complete weapon systems. SSS Defence emphasises that interest from outside India, including references to Armenia as a probable early requester, influenced the Raptor’s development path and showed that the demand for an Indian .300 Blackout rifle extended beyond Indian agencies. The firm uses the Raptor’s introduction at Milipol 2025 to signal India’s intent to become a supplier of small arms to both domestic elite units, such as Para SF, MARCOS, and Garud Commandos, and to global partners. The company’s messaging repeatedly ties the rifle to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, presenting it as an example of India’s transition from a major importer to a designer and manufacturer of complete defence products.
The Raptor is presented by SSS Defence as a compact, integrally suppressed rifle chambered in .300 AAC Blackout (7.62 x 35 mm), operating through a rotating bolt and short stroke piston system, which is comparable in concept to weapons such as the HK416. The rifle features a monolithic upper receiver and aluminium handguard for rigidity and weight reduction, and uses barrel options of 8.5 inches (216 mm) or 10.5 inches (267 mm), with a rifling twist of one turn in seven inches, right-hand, optimised for heavy .30 calibre projectiles used in subsonic ammunition. The weapon weighs around 3.2 kg without a suppressor and approximately 3.5 kg with a suppressor, and includes an adjustable retractable buttstock and Picatinny rail interfaces for optics, laser designators, and tactical lights. The standard firing modes include safe, semi, and automatic, and the integrated suppressor is intended to reduce acoustic and visual signature more effectively than detachable suppressors when paired with subsonic loads.
The adjustable gas regulator is intended to ensure reliable cycling with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, which is central to the .300 Blackout concept. The design aims to reduce operator fatigue and improve handling in confined spaces common to close-quarters battle, law enforcement operations, and urban engagements. The weapon’s modular configuration is highlighted as a way to accommodate different mission requirements while maintaining compatibility with widely used accessories familiar to special forces units. SSS Defence notes that specific measurements, such as barrel weight or additional suppressor details, remain confidential for security reasons while confirming that patented Indian components are used in the suppressor assembly.
The Raptor .300 Blackout is intended for scenarios requiring reduced sound signature, short barrel performance, and control of recoil and muzzle flash in environments such as aircraft, maritime platforms, dense urban areas, and transport hubs. The integrally suppressed design seeks to limit detection risk and reduce ricochet or collateral damage during close-range engagements, particularly when using heavy subsonic ammunition. The company cites applications including urban combat, counter terror missions, covert operations, aircraft hijack response, shipping and port security, and situations where traditional calibres such as 5.56 x 45 mm NATO or 9 x 19 mm may not provide the desired balance of energy and suppression. SSS Defence also indicates that the Raptor offers dual mission capability, with subsonic rounds for quiet operation and supersonic loads for engagements at longer distances within the .300 Blackout’s typical effective range.
The modular Picatinny rail system allows operators to tailor the weapon to specific missions by adding optical sights, aiming devices, and other accessories, while ambidextrous controls support ease of use under pressure. The company characterises the design as suitable for roles requiring quiet, compact, and controllable fire rather than general infantry functions, aligning it with suppressed carbines used by specialised units worldwide. The Raptor is also described as engineered to handle extreme weather and varied operational conditions, with features intended to maintain reliability during prolonged use in demanding environments. Across these roles, SSS Defence positions the weapon as a system built to reflect international usage patterns observed within units that have adopted .300 Blackout weapons.
The .300 AAC Blackout cartridge (also abbreviated as 300 BLK), central to the Raptor’s design, was developed in the United States around 2009 by Advanced Armament Corporation with Remington Defense and entered production from roughly 2010 onward, aiming to improve short-barrel performance and suppressed capability within AR-type rifles. The cartridge uses a bullet diameter of approximately 0.308 inches (7.82 mm), a case length close to 1.368 inches, and a maximum overall length of around 2.260 inches, with a maximum average pressure of about 55,000 psi under SAAMI standards. Its parent case is derived from the .223 Remington and 5.56 x 45 mm NATO family, which permits use of standard AR magazines, bolt faces, and other components, allowing conversion from 5.56 to 300 BLK through a simple barrel change and optional gas system adjustments.
This compatibility was intended to avoid the feeding and magazine problems associated with earlier attempts to introduce larger calibres like 7.62 x 39 mm or 6.8 SPC into AR platforms. The cartridge was designed to “negate perceived drawbacks” of these alternatives by maintaining compatibility while offering better performance in short barrels. The 300 BLK is described as effective with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, the latter allowing a reduced sound signature when combined with a suppressor. The design intent included use in roles requiring flexibility between quiet operations and higher energy fire within the same platform. This dual role is a key factor in why SSS Defence selected the calibre for the Raptor.
The performance characteristics of the .300 Blackout include supersonic loads in the 110 to 125 grain range that can reach approximately 2,200 feet per second from a 16 inch barrel, producing energy levels comparable to or exceeding 7.62 x 39 mm in similar barrel lengths. Subsonic loads around 220 grains operate at roughly 1,000 feet per second or less, allowing quieter firing when suppressed and reducing the likelihood of overpenetration in close quarters engagements. The cartridge retains usable energy from barrels as short as nine inches and offers effective ranges typically cited between 300 and 460 metres depending on ammunition and barrel length. Compared with the 5.56 x 45 mm NATO round, the 300 BLK trades some trajectory flatness for larger projectile mass, greater frontal area, increased penetration potential at short and medium ranges, and superior suppression characteristics.
Conversion between the two calibres is facilitated by the identical case head dimensions, enabling the use of standard bolts and magazines, which is relevant for operators wanting to introduce 300 BLK without restructuring existing inventories. The cartridge’s dual role capability and ease of integration have contributed to its adoption by units such as US SOCOM and Germany’s KSK and KSM. These international usage patterns are referenced directly by SSS Defence to contextualise the Raptor within established global trends. The cartridge’s compatibility with suppressors and effectiveness in short barrel weapons supports the Raptor’s operational focus on compactness and reduced sound signature.
India’s new Raptor .300 Blackout rifle makes international debut at Milipol 2025
Written by Jérôme Brahy
20 Nov, 2025 - 11:07
Defense News Army 2025
India’s SSS Defence introduced the Raptor .300 Blackout carbine at Milipol 2025 in Paris as part of its first full international presentation of new small arms.
India’s SSS Defence introduced the Raptor .300 Blackout carbine at Milipol 2025 in Paris, as part of its first full international presentation of indigenous infantry weapons. The Raptor was developed as part of India’s intent to compete in the global tactical weapons market, while expanding its domestic production capacity and gauging the export potential for compact suppressed weapons in the .300 Blackout caliber.
The Raptor is a compact, integrally suppressed .300 Blackout carbine built around a short stroke piston system with an adjustable gas regulator, modular Picatinny interfaces, ambidextrous controls, and barrel options optimised for both subsonic and supersonic ammunition. (Picture source: Army Recognition)
India’s private small arms manufacturer SSS Defence showcased its brand new Raptor .300 Blackout carbine at Milipol 2025 in Paris, presenting the rifle chambered in 7.62 x 35 mm as part of its first full display of indigenous infantry weapons at a major international military and law enforcement exhibition. The company describes the Raptor as entirely designed, developed, and manufactured in Bharat for special forces, SWAT units, and law enforcement customers, aligning the project with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives aimed at demonstrating India’s ability to produce modern small arms. The Raptor was shown with its compact, integrally suppressed design, short-stroke piston operating system, monolithic upper receiver, aluminium handguard, and adjustable gas regulator configured for both supersonic and subsonic ammunition types.
Its appearance at Milipol follows a series of domestic unveilings and social media announcements during 2025, including its presentation at the International Police Expo in New Delhi and earlier promotional material emphasising that the 300 BLK caliber is used by international units such as the US Special Operations Command and Germany’s KSK and KSM. SSS Defence links the Raptor to a broader effort to introduce Indian-made small arms to foreign customers, noting that early development interest came from users outside India, with Armenia mentioned as a likely initial requester. The firm also highlights the weapon as part of its strategy to expand production through a new facility planned to become fully operational by late 2025, supporting potential demand from Indian special forces and export markets.
The Raptor’s introduction at Milipol 2025 builds upon SSS Defence’s domestic announcements from August and September 2025, which described the rifle as a fully indigenous .300 Blackout tactical rifle tailored for modern special forces, designed to function as a natural extension of the operator through ergonomics, modularity, and signature reduction. SSS Defence states that the Raptor was engineered over a six-month period and incorporates patented Indian technology, particularly in its integrated suppressor design, which forms part of the barrel rather than being attached externally. The company also links the weapon to its wider portfolio, which includes the M72 carbine that won a 2,000-unit order from the Uttar Pradesh Police, and other weapons shown at events such as the International Police Expo 2025 in New Delhi.
Company statements underline that the Raptor challenges the long-held perception that advanced small arms originate only from the United States, Russia, Germany, Israel, or Arab producers, instead presenting India as a country capable of designing and manufacturing complete weapon systems. SSS Defence emphasises that interest from outside India, including references to Armenia as a probable early requester, influenced the Raptor’s development path and showed that the demand for an Indian .300 Blackout rifle extended beyond Indian agencies. The firm uses the Raptor’s introduction at Milipol 2025 to signal India’s intent to become a supplier of small arms to both domestic elite units, such as Para SF, MARCOS, and Garud Commandos, and to global partners. The company’s messaging repeatedly ties the rifle to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, presenting it as an example of India’s transition from a major importer to a designer and manufacturer of complete defence products.
The Raptor is presented by SSS Defence as a compact, integrally suppressed rifle chambered in .300 AAC Blackout (7.62 x 35 mm), operating through a rotating bolt and short stroke piston system, which is comparable in concept to weapons such as the HK416. The rifle features a monolithic upper receiver and aluminium handguard for rigidity and weight reduction, and uses barrel options of 8.5 inches (216 mm) or 10.5 inches (267 mm), with a rifling twist of one turn in seven inches, right-hand, optimised for heavy .30 calibre projectiles used in subsonic ammunition. The weapon weighs around 3.2 kg without a suppressor and approximately 3.5 kg with a suppressor, and includes an adjustable retractable buttstock and Picatinny rail interfaces for optics, laser designators, and tactical lights. The standard firing modes include safe, semi, and automatic, and the integrated suppressor is intended to reduce acoustic and visual signature more effectively than detachable suppressors when paired with subsonic loads.
The adjustable gas regulator is intended to ensure reliable cycling with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, which is central to the .300 Blackout concept. The design aims to reduce operator fatigue and improve handling in confined spaces common to close-quarters battle, law enforcement operations, and urban engagements. The weapon’s modular configuration is highlighted as a way to accommodate different mission requirements while maintaining compatibility with widely used accessories familiar to special forces units. SSS Defence notes that specific measurements, such as barrel weight or additional suppressor details, remain confidential for security reasons while confirming that patented Indian components are used in the suppressor assembly.
The Raptor .300 Blackout is intended for scenarios requiring reduced sound signature, short barrel performance, and control of recoil and muzzle flash in environments such as aircraft, maritime platforms, dense urban areas, and transport hubs. The integrally suppressed design seeks to limit detection risk and reduce ricochet or collateral damage during close-range engagements, particularly when using heavy subsonic ammunition. The company cites applications including urban combat, counter terror missions, covert operations, aircraft hijack response, shipping and port security, and situations where traditional calibres such as 5.56 x 45 mm NATO or 9 x 19 mm may not provide the desired balance of energy and suppression. SSS Defence also indicates that the Raptor offers dual mission capability, with subsonic rounds for quiet operation and supersonic loads for engagements at longer distances within the .300 Blackout’s typical effective range.
The modular Picatinny rail system allows operators to tailor the weapon to specific missions by adding optical sights, aiming devices, and other accessories, while ambidextrous controls support ease of use under pressure. The company characterises the design as suitable for roles requiring quiet, compact, and controllable fire rather than general infantry functions, aligning it with suppressed carbines used by specialised units worldwide. The Raptor is also described as engineered to handle extreme weather and varied operational conditions, with features intended to maintain reliability during prolonged use in demanding environments. Across these roles, SSS Defence positions the weapon as a system built to reflect international usage patterns observed within units that have adopted .300 Blackout weapons.
The .300 AAC Blackout cartridge (also abbreviated as 300 BLK), central to the Raptor’s design, was developed in the United States around 2009 by Advanced Armament Corporation with Remington Defense and entered production from roughly 2010 onward, aiming to improve short-barrel performance and suppressed capability within AR-type rifles. The cartridge uses a bullet diameter of approximately 0.308 inches (7.82 mm), a case length close to 1.368 inches, and a maximum overall length of around 2.260 inches, with a maximum average pressure of about 55,000 psi under SAAMI standards. Its parent case is derived from the .223 Remington and 5.56 x 45 mm NATO family, which permits use of standard AR magazines, bolt faces, and other components, allowing conversion from 5.56 to 300 BLK through a simple barrel change and optional gas system adjustments.
This compatibility was intended to avoid the feeding and magazine problems associated with earlier attempts to introduce larger calibres like 7.62 x 39 mm or 6.8 SPC into AR platforms. The cartridge was designed to “negate perceived drawbacks” of these alternatives by maintaining compatibility while offering better performance in short barrels. The 300 BLK is described as effective with both supersonic and subsonic ammunition, the latter allowing a reduced sound signature when combined with a suppressor. The design intent included use in roles requiring flexibility between quiet operations and higher energy fire within the same platform. This dual role is a key factor in why SSS Defence selected the calibre for the Raptor.
The performance characteristics of the .300 Blackout include supersonic loads in the 110 to 125 grain range that can reach approximately 2,200 feet per second from a 16 inch barrel, producing energy levels comparable to or exceeding 7.62 x 39 mm in similar barrel lengths. Subsonic loads around 220 grains operate at roughly 1,000 feet per second or less, allowing quieter firing when suppressed and reducing the likelihood of overpenetration in close quarters engagements. The cartridge retains usable energy from barrels as short as nine inches and offers effective ranges typically cited between 300 and 460 metres depending on ammunition and barrel length. Compared with the 5.56 x 45 mm NATO round, the 300 BLK trades some trajectory flatness for larger projectile mass, greater frontal area, increased penetration potential at short and medium ranges, and superior suppression characteristics.
Conversion between the two calibres is facilitated by the identical case head dimensions, enabling the use of standard bolts and magazines, which is relevant for operators wanting to introduce 300 BLK without restructuring existing inventories. The cartridge’s dual role capability and ease of integration have contributed to its adoption by units such as US SOCOM and Germany’s KSK and KSM. These international usage patterns are referenced directly by SSS Defence to contextualise the Raptor within established global trends. The cartridge’s compatibility with suppressors and effectiveness in short barrel weapons supports the Raptor’s operational focus on compactness and reduced sound signature.
India’s new Raptor .300 Blackout rifle makes international debut at Milipol 2025
AK mod:
View attachment SSS_Defence_AK_mod.mp4
P-72 carbine:
View attachment SSSDefence_P-72_rifle.mp4
0.338 Saber :
View attachment SSS_Defence_Saber_sniper_rifle.mp4
Israeli defence firm says it plans to supply first batch of LMGs to India early next year
Shuki Schwartz, CEO of Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), also said that his firm is currently collaborating with various agencies within India’s Ministry of Home Affairs to market their products
A leading Israeli defence firm has said it intends to supply the first batch of 40,000 Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to India starting early next year, while it is in the final stages of signing a contract to supply nearly 1,70,000 new-age carbines.
Shuki Schwartz, CEO of Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), also said that his firm is currently collaborating with various agencies within India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to market their products including pistols, rifles and machine guns.
"We're now involved in three significant programmes. First is the contract for 40,000 LMGs, which was signed last year. We have completed all tests, trials and government checks, and we have received the license for production. We intend to supply the first batch at the beginning of the year," Mr. Schwartz told PTI in an interview.
"LMGs supply is for five years. We can do it faster, but the first supply will be at the beginning of the year", he said when asked about the timeline of the supply.
Mr. Schwartz said the second programme involves the Close Quarters Battle (CQB) carbines tender, where the firm was the second bidder. Bharat Forge is the primary bidder.
"We intend to supply 40% of the contract. We are in the stage of pre-signing of the contract, and I believe it will be finalised by the end of this year or the beginning of next year," he said.
60% of the CQB carbines supply will be sourced from Bharat Forge, while the remaining 40% (1,70,000 units) will be delivered by PLR Systems, a subsidiary of the Adani Group.
On Arbel technology, the first computerised weapon system that uses a complex algorithm to determine when a soldier is on target and quickly strikes with high precision, Mr. Schwartz said that they are in the early stages of talks with India about integrating this technology into the country.
"We are in the initial stages of discussions with different agencies to adopt the Arbel systems. Once they take it, we will supply it through co-production in Israel and India," he said.
He added that PLR Systems will handle the co-production locally in India.
When asked about annual supply numbers, he mentioned it could be "tens of thousands of weapons a year". He acknowledged that while the two major contracts will last for a few years, there is a demand for quicker delivery due to the current situation.
Mr. Schwartz emphasised that IWI was among the first companies to support the 'Make in India' initiative, contributing to the growth of local production and expansion in the Indian market.
He also highlighted a strong partnership with the Adani Group through PLR Systems, focusing on light weapons manufacturing and the integration of Arbel systems locally.
When asked about the recent ban on the supply of some equipment by European countries, he said, "Israel needs to enhance its self-reliance for this reason, and we have our supply chain to support defence forces globally. We have developed this supply chain to further our mission."
Shuki Schwartz, CEO of Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), also said that his firm is currently collaborating with various agencies within India’s Ministry of Home Affairs to market their products
A leading Israeli defence firm has said it intends to supply the first batch of 40,000 Light Machine Guns (LMGs) to India starting early next year, while it is in the final stages of signing a contract to supply nearly 1,70,000 new-age carbines.
Shuki Schwartz, CEO of Israel Weapon Industries (IWI), also said that his firm is currently collaborating with various agencies within India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to market their products including pistols, rifles and machine guns.
"We're now involved in three significant programmes. First is the contract for 40,000 LMGs, which was signed last year. We have completed all tests, trials and government checks, and we have received the license for production. We intend to supply the first batch at the beginning of the year," Mr. Schwartz told PTI in an interview.
"LMGs supply is for five years. We can do it faster, but the first supply will be at the beginning of the year", he said when asked about the timeline of the supply.
Mr. Schwartz said the second programme involves the Close Quarters Battle (CQB) carbines tender, where the firm was the second bidder. Bharat Forge is the primary bidder.
"We intend to supply 40% of the contract. We are in the stage of pre-signing of the contract, and I believe it will be finalised by the end of this year or the beginning of next year," he said.
60% of the CQB carbines supply will be sourced from Bharat Forge, while the remaining 40% (1,70,000 units) will be delivered by PLR Systems, a subsidiary of the Adani Group.
On Arbel technology, the first computerised weapon system that uses a complex algorithm to determine when a soldier is on target and quickly strikes with high precision, Mr. Schwartz said that they are in the early stages of talks with India about integrating this technology into the country.
"We are in the initial stages of discussions with different agencies to adopt the Arbel systems. Once they take it, we will supply it through co-production in Israel and India," he said.
He added that PLR Systems will handle the co-production locally in India.
Israeli defence firm banks on ‘Make in India’ to accelerate deliveries
"We are also collaborating with the MHA and various agencies within it to sell our complete range of products, which includes pistols, rifles and LMGs. Our dealings involve smaller quantities across many contracts, and we have been working in this area for several years," he said.When asked about annual supply numbers, he mentioned it could be "tens of thousands of weapons a year". He acknowledged that while the two major contracts will last for a few years, there is a demand for quicker delivery due to the current situation.
Mr. Schwartz emphasised that IWI was among the first companies to support the 'Make in India' initiative, contributing to the growth of local production and expansion in the Indian market.
He also highlighted a strong partnership with the Adani Group through PLR Systems, focusing on light weapons manufacturing and the integration of Arbel systems locally.
When asked about the recent ban on the supply of some equipment by European countries, he said, "Israel needs to enhance its self-reliance for this reason, and we have our supply chain to support defence forces globally. We have developed this supply chain to further our mission."
The Dog is the most important guy for testing of sound dampening division at SSS.
Year 1 at SSS : Sir, the silencer doesn't work as much as I would like. I can still hear it crystal clear. See this..I didn't have to even twitch my ear to hear. Maza nahi aya.
Year 5: Yes, well done sir. I finally had to focus to hear the buzz. You can do it!
Year 10: huh! What? Oh? You already shot? (゜o゜;(☉｡☉)!
G-72 submachine gun named for Manohar Parrikar beats German competition
An Indian designed, developed and manufactured submachine gun named for the late defence minister Manohar Parrikar has beat foreign competition in an order to supply submachine guns to the elite National Security Guards’ (NSG).
chakranewz.com
An Indian designed, developed and manufactured submachine gun named for the late defence minister Manohar Parrikar has beat foreign competition in an order to supply submachine guns to the elite National Security Guards’ (NSG).
The G-72 named for Parrikar’s middle name Gopalkrishna, beat several Indian and foreign competitors to emerge lowest bidder after technical and financial evaluation in a contract to supply 500 9mm carbines to the NSG.
The NSG trials were held in November. The order is significant as it signals the end of the virtual monopoly the German-made MP5 had on Indian special units.
“Earlier they had German Shepherds, and now they are coming back to Indian desi hounds,” CEO of SSS Defence, Vivek Krishnan, told Chakra News.
The iconic German Made H&K Machine Pistole- 5 chambered for the 9x19 Parabellum cartridge was first inducted into service in R&AW’s covert unit, the Special Group, in 1982. It was then adopted by the NSG set up in 1984 and later the Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos in 1986. Since then it was adopted by other SWAT teams like the Delhi Police SWAT team, Maharashtra Police Force One, Kerala Police Thunderbolt commandos, Octopus commandos of Andhra Pradesh Police, Punjab Police SWAT Team, and the Gujarat Police.
MoD inks Rs 4,666 crore contracts for Close Quarter Battle Carbine & Heavy Weight Torpedoes
प्रविष्टि तिथि: 30 DEC 2025 4:43PM by PIB DelhiMinistry of Defence, on December 30, 2025, signed contracts worth a total cost of Rs 4,666 crore for the procurement of Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbine and Heavy Weight Torpedoes. The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.
CQB Carbine
The contract for over 4.25 lakh CQB Carbine along with accessories, worth Rs 2,770 crore, for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy were signed with Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd. This achievement marks the culmination of an extraordinary, persistent effort to equip Indian soldiers with world-class lethality, replacing legacy systems with cutting-edge indigenous technology under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
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 overall economy, increasing employment avenues and will also empower indigenous defence industries by encouraging Indian MSMEs through components' manufacturing and raw material supply.
MoD to sign CQB contract with BF and Adani Defence
India’s Defence Ministry is to sign a Rs 2,770 crore contract for carbines with two private sector companies today. The contract to supply 4.25 lakh Close Quarter Battle (CQB) carbines for the Indian Army is the largest small arms contract placed on India's private sector. The deliveries are expected to begin in September 2026, and full deliveries will be completed by 2028. The Indian Army has attempted to replace its World War 2 era Sterling sub-machine guns for over two decades.
The CQB contract will be signed with Bharat Forge and Adani Defence. The CQB carbine contract has been split between the two companies. Bharat Forge emerged as the lowest bidder or L1, and Adani Defence was the second lowest bidder or L2.
Bharat Forge will supply 60% (255,000 units) of the CQB carbines, and Adani Defence will supply 40% (170,000 units) of the carbines. Bharat Forge will manufacture and supply the DRDO's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) CQB carbine, chambered in 5.56x45mm cartridge. The weapon can hit targets at a range of 200m and weighs around 3.3 kg (unloaded). It has a foldable butt and Picatinny rail for mounting optics. The carbine uses a 30-round curved STANAG-compatible magazine, ensuring interoperability with other standard infantry equipment. On the other hand, the Adani Defence will be supplying the Israeli-designed IWI ACE 21N CQB carbine. It weighs 3.05 kg (unloaded). It has a rate of fire of between 680 and 880 rounds per minute.
These two carbines will replace the British-era Sterling 9x19mm carbines, which have been in service for over six decades. It is a second win for the Adani group, as it has already bagged the contract for supplying the Negev NG-7 “PRAHAR” Light Machine Guns (LMG) for the Indian Army in 2024. The IWI weapons have already been in service with the Indian forces, like the X-95 Tavor, Tavor TAR-21 and GALIL DMR, and it has set up its manufacturing plant in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with Adani Defence.
There have been past attempts by the Army to acquire a CQB carbine for over two decades. The first requirement was projected in 2005 by the Indian Army to replace the Sterling carbines. In 2011, a global Request for Proposal (RFP) for 44,618 carbines was issued. While firms like Beretta, Colt, and Sig Sauer participated, only Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) qualified. The deal was eventually scrapped because it became a "single vendor" case, which was restricted under the then-current procurement rules. In 2018, the Fast-Track Procurement (FTP) route was used to procure the CQB carbine, which was driven by operational urgency. The MoD issued a tender for 93,895 carbines under Fast-Track Procedure.
The UAE-based firm Caracal emerged as the L1 bidder with its CAR 816. However, after two years of negotiations, the $110 million deal was cancelled in September 2020 in favour of indigenous "Make in India" solutions. And finally, this current success stems from the November 2022 Request for Proposal for 4.25 lakh units under the "Buy (Indian)" category. This tender explicitly prioritised domestic manufacturing and led to the October 2025 finalisation of the deal with Bharat Forge and Adani Defence.
