CRPF to Get 200 Advanced Sniper Rifles Under India-UAE Defense Deal

In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing, Icomm Tele Ltd, a group company of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), has partnered with Abu Dhabi-based Caracal, an EDGE group company, to supply 200 CSR 338 sniper rifles to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The contract, announced on Tuesday, underscores India’s push toward self-reliance in defense production under the Make in India initiative.

The high-performance bolt-action CSR 338 sniper rifles will be manufactured at the Icomm Caracal Small Arms Complex in Hyderabad, a state-of-the-art facility inaugurated in April 2025. This hub is designed to produce a wide range of advanced weapons to meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and Caracal’s global export markets.

Hamad Alameri, CEO of Caracal, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “Following the launch of the Icomm Caracal Small Arms Complex, we are advancing our partnership with Icomm and solidifying our commitment to Prime Minister Modi’s Make in India initiative.”

Sumanth Paturu, Director of Icomm Tele Ltd, described the contract as a “proud milestone” that validates Icomm’s strategy to build sovereign defense capabilities. He emphasized that the deal not only delivers the advanced CSR 338 sniper system but also facilitates technology transfer, creates high-quality manufacturing jobs in Hyderabad, and strengthens India’s defense industrial ecosystem.

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The delivery of the first India-produced CSR 338 sniper rifles is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a significant step in enhancing the CRPF’s operational capabilities with cutting-edge weaponry.

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