Indian Army mulls carbine options
No decision has yet been made on buying new carbines for the Indian Army, but a locally designed solution is now on the table too.
Indecision over scrapping an RfP for 93,895 close-quarters battle carbines for the Indian Army has led to a governmental qunadary on whether to deepen geopolitical ties with the UAE, India’s third-largest trading partner, or follow promises to boost domestic industry.
The UAE’s Caracal’s 5.56mm CAR 816 was declared lowest bidder in 2018. Carbines are critical for the army for counterinsurgency operations in Kashmir and against China in Eastern Ladakh.
In September there were indications the MoD would scrap the deal for a locally manufactured product after the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) declared the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO)-designed 5.56
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![AUSA 2025: BAE Systems delivers more than 500 AMPVs to the US Army]()
AUSA 2025: BAE Systems delivers more than 500 AMPVs to the US Army
The US Army requires 2,907 Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles to replace its M113 family, and there are multiple versions in production.
-
![AUSA 2025: AM General Hawkeye awaits first production contract]()
AUSA 2025: AM General Hawkeye awaits first production contract
AM General presented its new Hawkeye at AUSA 2025 in Washington, with prototypes of the howitzer system having been trialled in Ukraine last year.
-
![AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready]()
AUSA 2025: Lionstrike lays out plans for British Army vehicle bid as competitors get ready
In September 2025, BAE Systems announced that it was joining GM Defense and NP Aerospace to form Team Lionstrike. The team will be offering a version of GM Defense’s infantry support vehicle which is based on the commercial Colorado vehicle.
-
![AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement]()
AUSA 2025: KNDS France to bid for US Army requirement
The CAESAR Mk II, which was debuted internationally at Eurosatory last year, is a step up from the first model which has seen combat in Ukraine and the Middle East.
-
![AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system]()
AUSA 2025: IAI reveals robotic route clearance system
The Elta 6631 has been developed using the experience of the Israel Defense Forces in route proving, and can be customised for various customers and circumstances.
-
![AUSA 2025: Boeing wins $2.7 billion PAC-3 production contract as it explores supply chain expansion]()
AUSA 2025: Boeing wins $2.7 billion PAC-3 production contract as it explores supply chain expansion
Boeing will work with prime contractor Lockheed Martin to boost PAC-3 production capacity to hit higher delivery targets, as demand for the interceptors continues to surge.
