In a notable advancement for defense collaboration between India and the UAE, CARACAL, a well-known designer and manufacturer of high-performance small arms, has joined forces with ICOMM Tele Ltd. to manufacture 200 CSR 338 sniper rifles for India’s Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The rifles will be produced at the ICOMM-CARACAL Small Arms Complex in Hyderabad, which was inaugurated in April this year as a center for local advanced weaponry production. This facility is designed to meet the essential requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces while also fulfilling CARACAL’s global export needs.
Hamad Alameri, CEO of CARACAL, remarked: “The opening of the ICOMM-CARACAL Small Arms Complex signifies a deeper partnership with ICOMM and a commitment to Prime Minister Modi’s Make in India initiative. This landmark transfer of small arms technology represents a crucial achievement in UAE-India defense cooperation, highlighting our dedication to supporting India’s security requirements and enhancing its defense sector.” Sumanth Paturu, Director of ICOMM Tele Ltd, expressed pride in the collaboration, describing the contract as a testament to ICOMM’s plan to bolster sovereign defense capabilities within India. He emphasized that the partnership not only involves delivering the advanced CSR 338 sniper system but also includes the transfer of cutting-edge technology and the generation of high-quality jobs in Hyderabad.
“We are committed to on-time delivery, lifecycle support, and expanding this capability to fulfill the future demands of India’s security services and international clients,” Paturu stated. The first batch of CSR 338 sniper rifles made in India is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025. The CSR 338 is a high-performance bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, featuring a 27-inch barrel, a 10-round magazine, ambidextrous magazine release and safety features, a two-stage adjustable precision trigger, and a four-position, telescopic, foldable stock.