Carbines and software-defined radios for Indian Army are approved
At one time, it looked like the Indian Army would induct CAR816 carbines from Caracal, but similar weapons will now be manufactured domestically. (Photo: Caracal)
On a path to self-sufficiency, India’s MoD approved procurement proposals worth $3.5 billion on 27 July.
The list included extended-range guided-rocket ammunition with a 75km range, area denial munitions, infantry combat vehicles, ballistic jackets, 5.56mm close-quarters carbines, surveillance and armed UAV swarms, 1,250kW warship gas turbine generators and 14 fast patrol vessels.
Around a quarter of this budget will be spent on carbines. Years ago, the army tried to fast-track a 93,895 CAR816 carbine order with Caracal.
Five years later, 420,000 close-quarter carbines will now be designed and made in India ‘to combat the current complex paradigm of conventional
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
World Defense Show 2026: Saudi Arabia’s record defence spend highlights uncertain times
Saudi Arabia’s investment in its land forces, notably in the area of air defence as recently as 30 January, is a sign of the challenges the Gulf State faces, particularly the threat from Houthi rebels in Yemen.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering’s Terrex s5 highlights hybrid power’s role in future warfare
Hybrid-electric drive technology may address the growing energy demands of land warfare in future.
-
CAVS rides a wave and prepares for surge requirements as orders roll in
The Common Armoured Vehicle System is continuing to rack up orders as the British Army looks likely to become an operator of the vehicle, while Italy and Ireland are also contenders.
-
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
Norway opts for Hanwha’s Chunmoo for long-range fires under $2 billion deal
The selection of Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo long-range precision fires system, with a contract expected to be signed on 30 January, makes Norway the second European country to choose the system. It is expected an operational system will be in service within four years.
-
Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax
This year has begun with main battle tanks taking the lead while orders for large logistics and support vehicles continued from last year. Additionally, two of the British Army’s most significant contracted vehicle programmes, Ajax reconnaissance vehicle and Challenger 3 tank, continued to make news in January.