The ICOMM-CARACAL Partnership and the Supply of Advanced Sniper Rifles to CRPF
In a significant development in India’s defence sector, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) awarded a ₹17 crore contract to ICOMM Tele Ltd, a subsidiary of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), in collaboration with CARACAL, a UAE-based small arms manufacturer under the EDGE Group. This contract, announced in late September 2025, marked a pivotal step in enhancing the tactical capabilities of India’s paramilitary forces.
The Strategic Importance of the Contract
The contract entailed the supply of 200 CSR 338 sniper rifles, chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, along with 20,000 rounds of ammunition. These rifles were to be produced at the ICOMM-CARACAL Small Arms Complex in Hyderabad, a state-of-the-art facility inaugurated earlier that year. The collaboration underscored a commitment to bolstering India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
Technical Specifications of the CSR 338 Sniper Rifle
The CSR 338 is a high-performance bolt-action sniper rifle designed for precision and reliability. Key features include:
- Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum
- Barrel Length: 27 inches
- Magazine Capacity: 10-round detachable box magazine
- Stock: Four-position, telescopic, foldable stock
- Trigger: Two-stage adjustable precision trigger
- Controls: Ambidextrous magazine release and safety mechanisms
These specifications ensure the rifle’s effectiveness in various operational scenarios, particularly in counter-insurgency and anti-terrorism operations in challenging terrains.
The ICOMM-CARACAL Small Arms Complex
The establishment of the ICOMM-CARACAL Small Arms Complex in Hyderabad represented a significant milestone in Indo-UAE defence collaboration. The facility was set up under a Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement, marking the first-ever transfer of small arms technology from the UAE to India. This development not only aimed to meet the immediate requirements of the CRPF but also positioned India as a hub for advanced defence manufacturing.
The complex was equipped to produce a comprehensive range of small arms, including:
- CAR 816: Close-quarters battle rifle (5.56x45mm NATO)
- CAR 817: Assault rifle (7.62x51mm NATO)
- CSR 338: Bolt-action sniper rifle (.338 Lapua Magnum)
- CSR 308: Bolt-action sniper rifle (.308 Winchester)
- CSR 50: Anti-materiel sniper rifle (12.7x99mm NATO)
- CMP9: Submachine gun (9x19mm)
- CARACAL EF and F GEN II: Combat pistols (9x19mm)
This diverse portfolio aimed to cater to the needs of the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Special Forces, State Police Forces, and the Special Protection Group (SPG), while also serving CARACAL’s global export requirements.
The Indo-UAE Defence Collaboration
The partnership between ICOMM and CARACAL exemplified the strengthening defence ties between India and the UAE. The collaboration was not just about technology transfer but also about fostering long-term strategic relations. As highlighted by Hamad Alameri, CEO of CARACAL, the initiative was a testament to the mutual trust and forward-looking vision of both nations.
Sumanth Paturu, Director of ICOMM Tele Ltd, emphasized that the contract was a validation of the company’s long-term strategy to build sovereign defence capabilities in India. The collaboration aimed to transfer world-class technology, create high-quality manufacturing jobs in Hyderabad, and strengthen India’s defence industrial ecosystem.
Implications for India’s Defence Manufacturing
The successful execution of this contract had far-reaching implications for India’s defence manufacturing landscape. It demonstrated the viability of public-private partnerships in achieving self-reliance in defence production. Moreover, it showcased the potential of leveraging international collaborations to enhance indigenous capabilities.
The establishment of the ICOMM-CARACAL Small Arms Complex was expected to generate employment opportunities, contribute to skill development, and stimulate local economies. Additionally, the facility’s capacity to produce advanced small arms positioned India as a competitive player in the global defence market.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the ICOMM-CARACAL collaboration was poised to expand its footprint in India’s defence sector. The successful delivery of the CSR 338 sniper rifles to the CRPF was anticipated to pave the way for future contracts with other security agencies and defence forces. Furthermore, the facility’s capabilities were expected to support the development and production of next-generation weapons systems, aligning with India’s vision of becoming a global defence manufacturing hub.
The award of the ₹17 crore contract to ICOMM and CARACAL for the supply of advanced sniper rifles to the CRPF marked a significant achievement in India’s journey towards defence self-reliance. The collaboration not only enhanced the tactical capabilities of the CRPF but also set a precedent for future public-private partnerships in the defence sector. As India continues to strengthen its indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, initiatives like the ICOMM-CARACAL partnership will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation’s security landscape.
