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India Inks INR 4,666 Crore Defence Deals for Israeli Carbines, Italian Torpedoes

The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth INR 4,666 crore to procure advanced weaponry, including 170,000 Close Quarter Battle carbines from Israel Weapon Industries' Indian subsidiary, PLR Systems. A separate contract for 48 heavyweight torpedoes from Italy's WASS was also inked to arm the Navy's Kalvari-class submarines. The carbine deal, part of a larger INR 2,770 crore package, involves technology transfer for domestic production under the Make in India initiative. These acquisitions aim to replace legacy weapons and significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Army and Navy.

Key Points: India Signs INR 4,666 Cr Defence Deals with Israel, Italy

  • 170,000 Israeli carbines
  • 48 Italian torpedoes
  • Make in India production
  • Enhanced combat capabilities
2 min read

MoD inks INR 4,666 crore defence deals with Israel's IWI for carbines

India's MoD signs contracts for 170,000 Israeli carbines & 48 Italian torpedoes to boost Army, Navy capabilities under Make in India.

"IWI... is proud that its Indian subsidiary, PLR, has been selected... - Israel Weapon Industries"

New Delhi, December 31

Israeli small arms maker Israel Weapon Industries on Tuesday said its Indian subsidiary, PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, has been selected by the Ministry of Defence for the supply of 1,70,000 Close Quarter Battle carbines.

The announcement came as the Ministry of Defence signed defence procurement contracts worth Rs 4,666 crore to enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

"IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), an SK Group company, is proud that its Indian subsidiary, PLR, has been selected by the Indian Ministry of Defence for the procurement of 170,000 carbines, based on the GALIL ACE CQB," the company said in a statement.

The Ministry of Defence said the contracts were inked on December 30, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi.

Rs 2,770 crore has been earmarked for the procurement of over 4.25 lakh CQB Carbines along with accessories for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy. The contracts were signed with Bharat Forge Ltd and PLR Systems Pvt Ltd, marking a significant step towards replacing legacy small arms with modern, domestically manufactured weapons, as per a press statement.

IWI said it has transferred advanced technology and manufacturing know-how to PLR Systems, allowing the carbines to be produced in India. The company said local production highlights its commitment to the Government of India's Make in India initiative and supports the country's goal of achieving strategic self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

"The contract for the procurement and integration of 48 Heavy Weight Torpedoes along with associated equipment for Kalvari Class Submarines (P-75) of the Indian Navy at an approximate cost of Rs 1,896 crore was signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy. The acquisition will enhance the combat capability of the six Kalvari Class submarines. The delivery of torpedoes will commence from April 2028 and will be completed by early 2030," as per a press statement.

According to the Defence Ministry, the induction of the torpedoes will significantly enhance the underwater combat capability of the Navy's six Kalvari Class submarines. Deliveries are scheduled to begin from April 2028 and will be completed by early 2030.

The ministry said the acquisitions reflect the government's continued focus on inducting advanced and niche technologies while simultaneously strengthening indigenous defence production.

The Ministry of Defence further said that in the financial year 2025-26, capital acquisition contracts worth INR 1,82,492 crore have been signed so far

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good news! Our soldiers deserve the best equipment. The transfer of tech to PLR is a positive sign. Hope this partnership leads to more indigenous R&D and we become an exporter of small arms someday. Jai Hind!
R
Rohit P
Nearly 5,000 crore rupees... that's a huge amount. While modernization is necessary, I hope there is complete transparency in these deals. The focus should be on quality and timely delivery, not just signing contracts.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the strategic partnerships. The torpedo deal with Italy for the submarines is equally significant. A multi-pronged approach to defence modernization. The 2028-30 delivery timeline seems a bit far though.
V
Vikram M
Finally replacing the old INSAS rifles! This upgrade was long overdue for our jawans on the front lines. Better firepower and reliability will be a major morale booster. 🙏
K
Karthik V
The amount spent on defence is staggering. I fully support strengthening our forces, but I also hope equivalent focus and funds are directed towards education and healthcare for the common citizen. A balanced approach is key for a strong nation.

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