The Indian Army is embarking on a major modernization drive, marked by a substantial procurement of 4.25 lakh modern close-quarter battle carbines. This significant investment, valued at ₹2,770 crore, aims to replace the army’s outdated submachine guns, many of which are based on designs from the 1940s.
Director General of Infantry, Lieutenant General Ajay Kumar, announced that the contract for these new carbines has been awarded to Bharat Forge and Adani Group’s PLR Systems, with deliveries expected to commence within a year.
Key Modernization Efforts by the Indian Army:
- Drone Platoons: The Army has successfully established 380 new specialized drone platoons, named ‘Ashni’. Each of these platoons will comprise 20-25 soldiers and will be equipped with drones capable of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and loitering munitions (kamikaze drones). Trials for various drone types are ongoing to equip these platoons effectively.
- Light Commando Battalions: In addition to drone capabilities, the army is set to deploy 25 ‘Bhairav’ light commando battalions within the next six months.
- Javelin Anti-Tank Weapon: The acquisition of US-made Javelin anti-tank missiles is also in progress through emergency procurement. This includes 12 launchers and 104 missiles.
- Loitering Munitions: The Army is procuring six types of loitering munitions and four types of drones for ISR roles. These advancements were highlighted as crucial following their extensive use during ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Lieutenant General Kumar further elaborated that the infantry’s modernization strategy spans multiple critical areas, including enhancing lethality, mobility, communication systems, battlefield transparency, situational awareness, survivability, training, and overall restructuring.
Related Information
- New Weapons and Specialist Units to Boost Army Capabilities