CARACAL And ICOMM Inaugurate Advanced Small Arms Manufacturing Facility In Hyderabad, India

CARACAL, a prominent small arms manufacturer from the UAE and part of EDGE Group, has partnered with ICOMM Tele Ltd to open a state-of-the-art small arms manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, India. This facility is located at ICOMM's Integrated Engineering Facility and represents a significant step in UAE-India defence cooperation through a Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement with CARACAL.

This new facility will produce an array of advanced weapons. These include the CAR 816 close-quarters battle rifle, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, and the CAR 817 assault rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Additionally, it will manufacture lightweight sniper rifles such as the CSR 338 and CSR 308, along with the highly accurate CSR 50 anti-materiel sniper rifle. The modern CMP9 submachine gun and versatile CARACAL EF and F GEN II combat pistols are also part of the production line.

The weapons produced here will meet the needs of various Indian forces including the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Special Forces, State Police Forces, and SPG. Furthermore, these products will be available for global export under CARACAL's brand.

Sumanth Paturu, Managing Director of ICOMM Tele Ltd, expressed commitment to India's defence sector. He stated that this facility embodies their dedication to India's self-reliance vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. "At ICOMM, we are not just making in India; we are making for India and for the world," he said.

Paturu further emphasised that partnering with CARACAL allows them to build more than just world-class weapons. It is about creating a self-reliant India that honours every soldier by delivering quality that protects and inspires.

Strengthening Defence Ties

Hamad Alameri, CEO of CARACAL, highlighted the significance of this collaboration as it marks the first small arms technology transfer from the UAE to India. He noted that this factory underscores their support for Prime Minister Modi’s Make in India initiative. "With successful technical qualification by two Special Forces units and strong progress in army trials," Alameri said they are proud to deepen their role in India's defence ecosystem.

Alameri praised ICOMM as a reliable partner with exceptional manufacturing expertise and commitment to national self-reliance. This partnership aims to bolster India's position as a trusted global defence production hub by integrating global technology with Indian manufacturing excellence.

The establishment of this facility is pivotal for India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat journey. It not only enhances local manufacturing capabilities but also supports CARACAL’s international programmes by strengthening India's role on the global stage.

With inputs from WAM