DRDO-Bharat Forge develops an assault rifle lighter than a kitchen pressure cooker, built for urban warfare

The Defence Research and Development Organisation ( DRDO) and Bharat Forge have jointly developed a new Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbine for the Indian Armed Forces. The weapon is intended to serve operational needs in urban warfare and counter-insurgency missions, where existing assault rifles may be less effective due to their size.

The carbine is the result of collaboration between DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, and private-sector manufacturer Bharat Forge. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) had earlier issued an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 4,25,213 units of 5.56 x 45mm CQB Carbines in 2022.

Developed through public-private collaboration
“This weapon has been designed by DRDO’s ARDE, Pune, and is being manufactured by Bharat Forge,” said Prateek Kishore, Scientist and Director General of Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE), DRDO. “It’s a clear case of full synergy between the development agency and the manufacturing partner, which has contributed to the successful realization of this system. It’s an extremely proud moment not just for DRDO, but for the country as a whole.”

Tailored for close-quarter combat
The CQB Carbine is designed for rapid response in close-range combat scenarios such as counter-terrorism operations, building clearances, and engagements in dense or urban areas. The compact design improves mobility and response time during missions where standard assault rifles may not be suitable.

Combat-ready and performance tested
The carbine has been tested against international performance standards and is considered ready for infantry deployment. According to DRDO, the weapon weighs approximately 3.3 kilograms and has an effective range of 200 meters. It can fire both NATO-standard and INSAS ammunition.

“It is a highly potent weapon for our infantry soldiers,” Kishore said. “Its ability to accommodate different ammunition types places it in a class of its own.”

Design and specifications
The weapon is equipped with a short barrel and modern ergonomic features, making it easier to use in confined areas. It also includes a 30-round curved magazine for consistent ammunition feeding during rapid fire.

Key specifications:

Ammunition: 5.56x30mm INSAS (compatible with NATO-standard rounds)

Effective Range: Up to 200 meters

Weight: Approx. 3.3 kilograms

Magazine: 30-round curved magazine

Design Advantage: Compact form with short barrel for better manoeuvrability

Step toward defence self-reliance
The carbine represents India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen indigenous defence production through collaboration between research institutions and private manufacturers. This development marks a step forward in meeting the Indian Armed Forces' long-standing requirement for a lightweight, efficient weapon system suited for modern combat environments.