Historic UAE-India Defense Partnership Strengthens ‘Make in India’ with Cutting-Edge Weapon Production.
Hyderabad – In a landmark development for India’s defense manufacturing sector, UAE-based CARACAL (an EDGE Group entity) and ICOMM Tele Ltd (MEIL Group) have inaugurated a state-of-the-art small arms production facility in Hyderabad. This collaboration, backed by a first-of-its-kind UAE-to-India technology transfer, marks a significant leap in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense production.
Key Highlights of the ICOMM-CARACAL Facility
✅ First UAE-to-India small arms tech transfer under ‘Make in India’
✅ World-class manufacturing of 7 advanced weapon systems
✅ Critical applications:
- Indian Armed Forces
- CAPFs, State Police, Special Forces, SPG
- Global exports via CARACAL’s network
✅ Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense manufacturing
Advanced Weapons to be Manufactured
| Weapon | Caliber | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CAR 816 | 5.56×45mm NATO | Close-quarters battle rifle |
| CAR 817 | 7.62×51mm NATO | Assault rifle |
| CSR 338 | .338 Lapua Magnum | Bolt-action sniper rifle |
| CSR 308 | .308 Winchester | Lightweight sniper rifle |
| CSR 50 | 12.7×99mm NATO | Anti-materiel sniper rifle |
| CMP9 | 9×19mm | Submachine gun |
| CARACAL EF/F GEN II | 9×19mm | Combat pistols |
Leadership Perspectives
Sumanth Paturu, MD, ICOMM Tele Ltd:
*”We’re not just ‘Making in India’—we’re making for India and the world. With CARACAL, we’re building a self-reliant defense ecosystem that delivers precision, pride, and protection for our soldiers.”*
Hamad Alameri, CEO, CARACAL:
“This facility reinforces our commitment to India’s defense indigenization. With successful SF trials and army evaluations, we’re proud to partner with ICOMM in this historic venture.”
Strategic Significance
🔹 Reduces import dependence for critical small arms
🔹 Boosts India-UAE defense ties – First major small arms ToT from UAE
🔹 Hyderabad emerges as defense manufacturing hub
🔹 Creates skilled jobs in advanced weapon production
Next Steps: Trials, Production & Exports
- Weapons undergoing Indian Army/SF trials
- Ramp-up of full-scale manufacturing
- Global exports via CARACAL’s network
A New Chapter in India’s Defense Indigenization
This facility embodies PM Modi’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, combining UAE’s cutting-edge small arms tech with India’s manufacturing prowess. It positions India as a global defense production hub while strengthening strategic UAE-India partnerships.
