IDEX 2023: Caracal small arms producer from UAE signs licensing agreement with ICOMM from India


At IDEX 2023, an International Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, EDGE entity CARACAL, a leading small arms manufacturer, signed a partnership licensing agreement with India-based ICOMM, a market leader in developing and manufacturing missile and sub-systems, communications and EW systems, UAV's, electro-optics, shelters, composites, as well as other systems technology such as counter drones.


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During IDEX 2023 International Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Caracal displayed its full range of small arms portfolio. (Picture source Army Recognition)


Under the agreement, ICOMM will partner with CARACAL in the development of a full portfolio of locally manufactured small arms for the Indian market. The partnership is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative and marks a momentous occasion for CARACAL and ICOMM, as the first-ever Transfer of Technology (ToT) in small arms from the UAE to India.

Hamad Al Ameri, CEO of CARACAL, said: "This strategically important signing with ICOMM for collaboration in the Indian market is a key objective for CARACAL. As India continues to realise its sovereign defence ambitions, we look forward to partnering with ICOMM, whose capabilities in providing end-to-end solutions across multiple sectors, including engineering and defence, complements CARACAL's portfolio of advanced small arms.

"Following a previous MoU with ICOMM, signed last year, this agreement for a Transfer of Technology will enable ICOMM to offer a comprehensive line of small arms in order to meet requirements set out by the Indian government's fast track procurement for the Indian Army."

Sumanth P, Chief of ICOMM, said: "India's Defence industry is on a strong path to develop its sovereign manufacturing capabilities. This agreement exemplifies the commitment shown by CARACAL to aid India's ambitions towards making the defence sector self-sufficient and self-reliant."

"CARACAL's complete line of small arms will be produced in ICOMM's world-class design, development and manufacturing centre in Hyderabad. Presently, ICOMM is a one of the largest companies in manufacturing missiles & sub-systems, communications & EW systems, radars, electro-optics, composites, loitering munitions, shelters, drone & counter drone system. Our entry into small arms production is a proud moment for us."

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.