- From UAE to Hyderabad: Caracal CEO Unfolds Indo-UAE Defence Collaboration
- Tech Transfer, Ammunition Manufacturing & Defence Growth : Key Drivers
New Delhi. 24 April 2025. At Milipol India 2025, one of the most anticipated collaborations on display was between UAE-based defence major Caracal and India’s ICOMM. In an exclusive conversation with Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU), Hamad Salem Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of Caracal, shed light on this landmark Indo-UAE partnership, company’s deep commitment to the Make in India initiative and the debut of their full small arms and ammunition ecosystem now taking shape in Hyderabad.
ADU. What is Caracal showcasing at Milipol India this year?
Hamad Al Ameri. Milipol India 2025 is a significant platform for us. Caracal is showcasing the result of three years of dedicated effort to bring our small arms portfolio to India, in partnership with ICOMM. We’re proud to announce that this marks one of the first defence technology transfers from the UAE to India. We’re displaying our full range of products. pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles and sniper rifles—all now made in India.
ADU. How does this collaboration support your global supply chain?
Hamad Al Ameri. By partnering with ICOMM and utilizing India’s manufacturing capabilities, we are not only achieving cost-effectiveness but also enhancing our ability to compete globally. India provides high-quality manufacturing at scale, and this strengthens our global supply chain while contributing to India’s export ambitions.
ADU. Tell us about Caracal Light Ammunition and your future manufacturing plans in India.
Hamad Al Ameri. We are excited to launch Caracal Light Ammunition at Milipol. It includes a range of calibres—9mm, 5.56, 7.62×51, and 12.7. This marks the second phase of our India journey. Our goal is to manufacture ammunition in India, creating a complete weapons-and-ammo ecosystem. We’re open to partnerships in this area and plan to replicate our success in small arms manufacturing with ammunition production.
ADU. Have you been interacting with the armed forces and the paramilitary forces with a strong marketing drive?
Hamad Al Ameri. Yes. Actually we are already engaging with the customers. Our Indian partners are very active on that front. We have a lot of partners in India that we developed in the last five years. So, now these partners are in touch with our partner ICOMM. Marketing will be planned keeping Indian government’s mandate of Make in India. And like you said yes from making for India we will start marketing the Indian made products for a global market.
ADU. Have you responded to some tenders?
Hamad Al Ameri. Absolutely. We are currently participating in four tenders—two with the Indian Army and two with law enforcement agencies. These include CQB and sniper rifles for the Army, and submachine guns and sniper rifles for police forces, via both the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and state departments. Our products are receiving strong interest and feedback.
ADU. How much of the manufacturing is currently localised?
Hamad Al Ameri. Over 65% of our weapons production is already happening in India. The Hyderabad facility, which we formally announced two days ago, is now fully operational. We’ve worked closely with Indian suppliers and partners over the past five years to build this capacity.
ADU. Are these projects aligned with offset clauses under defence procurement?
Hamad Al Ameri. Yes, wherever applicable, Caracal will fully comply with offset obligations. Our goal is long-term partnership and contribution to India’s indigenisation goals under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
ADU. What does the strategic partnership with ICOMM signify for CARACAL’s expansion into the Indian defence market?
Hamal Al Ameri. CARACAL’s main goal is this strategically significant signing with ICOMM for cooperation in the Indian market. We look forward to working with ICOMM as India realises its sovereign defence goals; ICOMM’s ability to provide end-to-end solutions across several industries, including engineering and defence, complements CARACAL’s portfolio of modern small arms and light ammunition.
ADU. What’s next for Caracal in India?
Hamad Al Ameri. The next big milestone will be the establishment of light ammunition manufacturing in India. We’re also exploring advanced R&D and expanding our product portfolio to suit Indian defence and homeland security needs. We thank the organisers of Milipol and our partners in India for their continued support.
ADU. How has the footfall been till now and the interest felt on Caracal’s presence at Milipol India?
Hamad Al Ameri. Today is the first day but it has very good and satisfying. NSG, NDRF and Indian Army officials have all come to our booth and spent good time seeing and understanding the products. We hope this will continue for the next two days .
ICOMM will manufacture the full range of CARACAL small arms, including the versatile CARACAL EF pistol (9mm), modern CMP 9 sub machine gun (9mm), CAR 816 (5.56 x 45mm) and CAR 817 (7.62 x 51 mm) assault rifles, CAR 817 DMR (308) tactical sniper rifle, CSR 50 (12.7 x 99mm) anti-material sniper rifle, CSR 338 and CSR 308 bolt action sniper rifles and the CSA 338 semi-automatic sniper rifle.
Caracal’s journey in India is not just a story of market entry—it’s a blueprint for future defence collaboration between India and the UAE. As Hamad Al Ameri envisions a complete small arms and ammunition ecosystem rooted in Hyderabad, the company is helping shape India’s defence manufacturing narrative. With an eye on self-reliance, exports, and technology-driven capability building, Caracal is a prime example of what Make in India can truly achieve when backed by strategic vision and cross-border cooperation.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
