Indo-UAE JV Incomm-Caracal Secures Contract to Supply Sniper Rifles to CRPF

Caracal's Advanced Sniper Rifle Caracal's Advanced Sniper Rifle

An Indo-UAE joint venture has bagged a contract to supply advanced sniper rifles and ammunition, marking a notable domestic defence procurement. Incomm-Caracal, the Indo-UAE joint venture between Abu Dhabi-based Caracal and Hyderabad’s Incomm Tele Ltd (a Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd company), has been awarded a Rs 17 crore contract by India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for the supply of advanced sniper rifles and ammunition.

The first order includes 200 precision-engineered CSR 338 rifles chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, along with 20,000 rounds of ammunition-highlighting the growing impact of UAE-India defence collaboration and domestic manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.

Competitive Win in a Crowded Field

Incomm-Caracal bagged the contract after outperforming several established players in both technical and financial evaluations. Israeli-backed PLR Systems was eliminated at the financial stage, while domestic contenders, including SSS Defence, Kalyani Strategic Systems, Hughes Precision, and Neco Desert Tech, failed to clear the technical trials.

This win strengthens UAE-based Caracal’s footprint in the Indian security sector and validates its strategy of technology transfer and local production.

First UAE-to-India Defence Tech Transfer

The partnership between Caracal and Icomm marks a historic milestone, the first-ever transfer of defence manufacturing technology from the UAE to India. The Hyderabad-based facility, now operational, is producing an entire line of small arms tailored to Indian conditions and requirements.

“This collaboration is proof that when ambition meets capability and support, manufacturing in India is not only viable, it’s successful,” said Hamad Salem Al Ameri, CEO of Caracal.

The facility is not only focused on Indian forces but also serves as an export hub, delivering weapons to global clients as part of Caracal’s broader international strategy.

Locally Manufactured, Combat-Ready Weapons

The Incomm-Caracal Small Arms Complex in Hyderabad manufactures a diverse range of advanced firearms, including the Car 816, a 5.56x45mm NATO close-quarter battle rifle; the Car 817, a 7.62x51mm NATO assault rifle; and the CSR 338 & CSR 308, which are bolt-action sniper rifles available in .338 Lapua Magnum and .308 Winchester calibres. Additionally, they produce the CSR 50, a 12.7x99mm NATO anti-materiel sniper rifle; the CMP9, a 9x19mm compact submachine gun; and the Caracal EF & F Gen II, which are 9x19mm semi-automatic pistols.

All weapons are designed to meet the operational demands of the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), State Police Forces, and special operations units. The facility’s modular setup also allows rapid scale-up for export contracts.

Ammunition Production Accelerated in India

In parallel with weapons manufacturing, Caracal has fast-tracked the local production of critical ammunition calibres in India. These include: 9x19mm; 5.56x45mm; 7.62x51mm; and 12.7x99mm (.50 BMG).

CARACAL sees ammunition manufacturing as a high-impact initiative, capable of being scaled up quickly to serve both Indian defence forces and regional allies.

“We have gained valuable operational experience in India, and that positions us well to rapidly grow our local ammunition capabilities,” Al Ameri told BharatShakti.

Global Strategy, Indian Execution

As a key entity under the UAE’s Edge Group, Caracal continues to expand globally, with manufacturing operations in Germany, the United States, and now India. The company is also targeting future expansions in Africa and Southeast Asia, leveraging strategic partnerships and flexible production models.

In India, Caracal has established collaborations with domestic defence firms, such as MKU, aiming to offer fully integrated weapon systems that combine firearms, optics, and accessories for military and law enforcement customers.

Strategic Implications for India’s Defence Landscape

This CRPF order is more than a one-off business win. It signals a broader trend in India’s defence procurement: an increasing openness to foreign-origin platforms with indigenous production capabilities. The Incomm-Caracal JV, with its deep integration, could serve as a model for future international collaborations under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) framework.

Delivery Timeline & Technical Features

According to the company executives, the first batch of CSR 338 sniper rifles is scheduled for delivery in Q4 2025.

The firearm boasts key technical specifications, including a .338 Lapua Magnum calibre and a 27-inch barrel, which provide excellent accuracy and power. It has a magazine capacity of 10 rounds and is equipped with a two-stage adjustable precision trigger for enhanced shooting performance. Safety is a priority, as it includes ambidextrous controls, making it user-friendly for both left- and right-handed shooters. Additionally, the stock is designed to be versatile, offering a four-position, telescopic, and foldable design for improved portability and comfort.

Sumanth Paturu, Director of Icomm, highlighted the broader impact of the contract: “This is not just about supplying rifles, it’s about transferring world-class technology, creating high-skill manufacturing jobs in India, and strengthening the country’s defence industrial base. Our goal is to deliver on time, support through lifecycle services, and scale for future demand.”

Huma Siddiqui (https://bharatshakti.in/indo-uae-jv-incomm-caracal-secures-contract-to-supply-sniper-rifles-to-crpf/)