• The agreement marks the first-ever Transfer of Technology in small arms from UAE to India

Abu Dhabi, UAE – EDGE entity CARACAL, a leading small arms manufacturer, today 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. The agreement was signed at IDEX 2023, one of the largest tri-service defence exhibitions in the world, which is being held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, until 24 February.

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 be 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.

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About ICOMM 

ICOMM is a group company of Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL), which is the one of the largest infrastructure companies in India, with an Annual Sales of over USD 4.0 Bn with over 40,000 employees and working on various projects and spread across 18 offices across the Globe. ICOMM Tele Limited, having state-of-the-art facilities spread across 110-acre facility with over 1,050,000 Sq.ft of built-up area, established in 1989 is a pioneer and a leader in the fields of product designing, engineering, and manufacturing in the following segments  such as Defence & Aerospace, Power, Roads, Oil & Gas and Telecom. Starting from a humble beginning of a company designing and manufacturing RF components, Antennas and Masts in 1989, ICOMM has been developing and manufacturing products for the Indian Defence Industry for over 25 Years in the areas of Missiles and Sub-Systems, Communications & EW, Composites, Drone & Counter-Drone Systems, Radar Systems, Electro-Optics, Shelters and Command Control Centre, UAV’s and Antennas. For more information, please visit https://icommtele.com 

About MEIL

Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. (MEIL) established in 1989, is one of the fastest growing infra companies in India. Over the years, MEIL has constructed numerous structures like large civil constructions, oil and gas pipelines, pump houses, large water treatment plants, dams, reservoirs, power transmission lines, power generation units, tunnels - and all of them have an important role to play in improving the quality of life of the common man for many years into the foreseeable future. Globally the company has its footprint in over 20 countries. For more information visit https://meil.in

About CARACAL 

Established in 2007, CARACAL is a regional and international leader in high-performance small arms. The company designs, engineers, innovates and manufactures mission-proven firearms for law enforcement, security and military forces, with a production legacy spanning more than 15 years. CARACAL’s product portfolio includes pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles and sniper rifles across a range of calibres. CARACAL’s experience reflects in the quality, performance and dependability of its growing range of weapons, incorporating the latest technological advances, developed to meet the evolving and challenging nature of warfare as well as the diverse mission requirements of customers in the UAE and abroad. CARACAL is part of the Missiles & Weapons cluster of EDGE Group, an advanced technology group that ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in the world. 

For more information, please visit https://caracal.ae 

About EDGE

Launched in November 2019, the UAE’s EDGE is one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups, established to develop agile, bold and disruptive solutions for defence and beyond, and to be a catalyst for change and transformation. It is dedicated to bringing breakthrough innovations, products, and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, to position the UAE as a leading global hub for future industries, and to creating clear paths within the sector for the next generation of highly-skilled talent to thrive. With a focus on the adoption of 4IR technologies, EDGE is driving the development of sovereign capabilities for global export and for the preservation of national security, working with front-line operators, international partners, and adopting advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyber-physical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials. EDGE converges R&D, emerging technologies, digital transformation, and commercial market innovations with military capabilities to develop disruptive solutions tailored to the specific requirements of its customers. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, EDGE consolidates more than 20 entities into four core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Electronic Warfare & Cyber Technologies, and Trading & Mission Support.

For more information, visit edgegroup.ae