21-04-2025
Small arms factory set up by UAE's Caracal with Megha Group firm ICOMM opened
A small arms manufacturing facility set up in Hyderabad by UAE's Caracal in collaboration with Megha Engineering & Infrastructures (MEIL) group company ICOMM Tele was inaugurated on Monday.
Located at ICOMM's integrated engineering facility, it will serve as a local manufacturing hub for a comprehensive portfolio of advanced weapons under a technology transfer agreement with Caracal, which is an entity of the advanced technology and defence group EDGE. The agreement is a milestone in UAE–India defence collaboration and a boost to the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission, MEIL said in a release. CAR 816 close-quarters battle rifle, CAR 817 assault rifle; lightweight CSR 338 bolt-action sniper rifle; lightweight CSR 308 bolt-action sniper rifle; CSR 50 bolt-action anti-materiel sniper rifle; modern CMP9 submachine gun and Caracal EF and Caracal F GEN II combat pistols will be manufactured at the facility.
These next-generation weapons will serve the critical needs of Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Special Forces, State Police Forces, and SPG and also cater to global export requirements of Caracal. It will also support Caracal's international programmes, strengthening India's role as a trusted global defence production hub, MEIL said.
'With Caracal by our side as a trusted and visionary partner, we are building more than world-class weapons. We are building a bold, self-reliant India. This is our salute to every soldier and promise to deliver quality that protects, empowers and inspires,' said ICOMM Tele managing director Sumanth Paturu.
The launch of the ICOMM Caracal small arms complex is 'a milestone in our efforts to support the Indian market and defence industry. As the first small arms technology transfer from the UAE to India, the factory further highlights our commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Make in India initiative,' said Caracal CEO Hamad Alameri.
'With successful technical qualification by two Special Forces units and strong progress in Army trials, we are proud to deepen our role in India's defence ecosystem. ICOMM has proven to be a highly capable and reliable partner,' he said.
