Pune: In a major boost to the defence capabilities, the Indian Armed Forces and the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO’s) Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) have developed an indigenously designed Close Quarter Battle (CQB) Carbine.
Earlier this week, ARDE unveiled the new CQB carbine. This weapon will be used in close-quarter combat situations, including urban warfare and anti-terror operations, where precision and speed are important.
Gaurav Verma, Scientist ‘F’ and Joint Director at ARDE, led the development team. He described the weapon as a “game changer.”
“This weapon, designed by me and my team, is a very potent weapon. It weighs 3.3 kg and has a size of less than 800 mm. It is very effective for a range of 200 metres and especially for close-quarter battle operations. This will be a game changer in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the government,” Verma said, as reported by news agency ANI.
The carbine has a compact design. It will improve the Indian Armed Forces’ tactical capabilities.
Prateek Kishore, Scientist and Director General of Armament & Combat Engineering Systems (ACE) of DRDO, also termed the development an achievement for the DRDO. “It has been designed by one of the labs of DRDO—ARDE, Pune—and is being produced by Bharat Forge. It’s a case of full synergy between the development agency as well as the manufacturing agency, which has led to the success of this particular product. It’s an extremely proud moment for the country as well as for the DRDO,” Kishore told news agency ANI.
The CQB is a versatile weapon for close-quarters engagements. The rate of fire of this weapon is around 600 rounds per minute.
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