CARACAL, a pioneering name in high-precision weapons, has solidified its reputation in the global small-arms market over more than two decades. Known for tailoring firearms to the rigorous demands of military and law enforcement clients, the company continues to innovate with a diverse product range that emphasises modularity, accuracy, and reliability. From combat pistols to advanced sniper rifles, CARACAL’s evolving portfolio reflects its commitment to meeting international standards set by organisations like the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the Commission Internationale Permanente (CIP). Hamad Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer, CARACAL spoke to Raksha Anirveda on a wide range of issues. Excerpts of the exclusive interview…
RA: As a pioneer in building high-precision weapons, CARACAL has built a strong reputation over more than two decades. Could you reflect on this journey and elaborate on CARACAL’s evolving and expanding product range, including those currently in the development phase?
Hamad Al Ameri: It is essential to recognise that since its inception, CARACAL’s primary objective has been to deliver high-performance firearms specifically designed to meet the needs of military and law enforcement clients, ensuring they are tailored to various mission requirements. This commitment has resulted in a product range that distinguishes itself in the international market through its advantageous size and weight, modular ergonomics, exceptional precision accuracy, and consistent reliability under diverse conditions.
Our current portfolio includes the CARACAL Enhanced Firepower (EF) and F GEN II combat pistols, the contemporary CARACAL Modular Pistol 9 (CMP9) sub-machine gun (SMG), the battle-tested CAR 816 and CAR 817 assault rifles, the CAR 817 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) and CARACAL Sniper Assault (CSA) 338 semi-automatic sniper rifles, as well as the CARACAL Sniper Rifle (CSR) 308, CSR 338, and CSR 50 bolt-action sniper rifles.
Among our latest innovations is the CARACAL Lightweight Machine Gun (CLMG) 556, a compact and fully automatic belt-fed weapon chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. This machine gun features an advanced long-stroke gas piston system, a quick-change barrel, and an integrated bipod with three adjustable height settings, enhancing its versatility in the field.
Additionally, we have recently introduced the CARACAL Sniper Rifle Multi-Calibre (CSRM), a groundbreaking addition to our lineup. A key highlight of the CSRM is its patent-pending barrel exchange mechanism, which ensures excellent first-shot accuracy and repeatability. Utilising a single multi-tool for all adjustments, including barrel changes, the CSRM can be seamlessly calibrated for .338 Lapua Magnum, .308 Winchester, or 6.5 Creedmoor calibres, offering unmatched flexibility to operators.
RA: How does innovation contribute to product design and development, particularly in blending ergonomics with tactical requirements? What sets CARACAL apart as a unique selling proposition (USP)?
Hamad Al Ameri: As previously mentioned, CARACAL is dedicated to serving the military and civil security markets with a clear focus on excellence. Our USP lies in designing and manufacturing firearms that meet the most exacting standards and perform flawlessly in the harshest operational environments, a testament to our commitment to quality.
In 2023, we formalised a licensing agreement with ICOMM to co-develop a comprehensive portfolio of locally manufactured firearms tailored for the Indian market. A significant milestone from this collaboration is the initiation of the first-ever ToT in small arms from the UAE to India, marking a historic step in bilateral industrial cooperation
Leveraging our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, we incorporate valuable feedback from our close collaborations with customers. This process enables us to develop lightweight, high-performance firearms that adhere to the stringent international standards set by the NATO and the CIP. Our guiding principles—from design to production—emphasise creating firearms that minimise the burden on the end-user, incorporate comfortable and adaptable ergonomics, facilitate relatively easy maintenance and accessory modifications, operate reliably across all anticipated conditions and environments, and deliver effective stopping power with maintainable accuracy.
RA: What are the major challenges in India’s vast and competitive small arms market? In terms of design, technology, and performance, how do CARACAL’s products differ from competitors? Please share details about your partnership with ICOMM, your experience with the Make in India initiative, and your future strategy to expand your presence in the Indian market.
Hamad Al Ameri: For CARACAL, and particularly for our customers in the Indian market, a critical consideration is how a foreign firearms manufacturer can contribute to the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and add value to the domestic industry. Our approach is inclusive, emphasising collaborative business models and knowledge sharing wherever feasible.
A prime example of this strategy is our partnership with ICOMM, a leading Indian company specialising in the development and manufacturing of missile and sub-systems, communications and electronic warfare (EW) systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, electro-optics, and related technologies. In 2023, we formalised a licensing agreement with ICOMM to co-develop a comprehensive portfolio of locally manufactured firearms tailored for the Indian market. A significant milestone from this collaboration is the initiation of the first-ever Transfer of Technology (ToT) in small arms from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India, marking a historic step in bilateral industrial cooperation.
Through these efforts, we are actively participating in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative by facilitating the production of firearms within the country, thereby supporting local industry growth and self-reliance.
RA: How has CARACAL performed on the export front over the last two to three years? What is your market outlook for the fiscal year 2025-2026? Are you planning to explore emerging opportunities in Europe, especially with the European Union’s new ‘Readiness 2030’ initiative, formerly known as ‘ReArm Europe’?
Hamad Al Ameri: While specific details of our export successes remain confidential, I can confidently state that CARACAL has achieved strong performance over the past three years. Notably, we sold out our entire stock of CAR 816 assault rifles last year and continue to fulfil ongoing deliveries of our sniper rifle series. Our strategy of innovating with new firearms and updating existing models has been well-received by the market. The outlook for CARACAL remains highly positive, extending well beyond 2026.
It is worth noting that our German subsidiaries, Merkel and Haenel, play a pivotal role in supporting our European market presence. Merkel, with over 120 years of global expertise, operates one of Europe’s most advanced production facilities for hunting rifles. Meanwhile, Haenel offers a comprehensive product range for military and law enforcement agencies, including sniper rifles and the MK556 assault rifle. Their weapon systems have secured international government tenders and are currently in service with the German state police and special units of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces).
RA: Could you elaborate on CARACAL’s partnerships with VentureOne and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), agreements with Ketech Asia, and your company’s presence in Latin America?
Hamad Al Ameri: We have forged a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi-based VentureOne to launch Centurion, an advanced body armour system developed in collaboration with the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) of the UAE. It is crucial to recognise that factors such as lighter weight, enhanced manoeuvrability, and maximum survivability are paramount in our customers’ selection of body armour. The outcome of our combined research and development efforts has resulted in a product that surpasses international ballistic standards by integrating next-generation materials.
Additionally, we have entered into an agreement with Ketech Asia for the assembly and manufacturing of the CAR 816 assault rifle in Malaysia. Ketech Asia will produce key components of the CAR 816 at its newly established factory in Pahang, Malaysia, with potential future opportunities to manufacture our full range of firearms.
Latin America represents a relatively new market for us, but as part of the EDGE Group’s expanding global footprint, we see substantial potential in the region. Our firearms are engineered to perform exceptionally in challenging operational environments, including jungle warfare, and excel in close-quarters combat scenarios. This presents a valuable opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities, and we are optimistic about the prospects that South America offers.
RA: CARACAL is participating in Milipol India for the second time. What are your expectations from the event, and can you provide a detailed overview of the products you will be showcasing at Milipol India 2025?
Hamad Al Ameri: Our participation in Milipol India 2025 offers an excellent platform for CARACAL to highlight locally produced firearms customised for operational needs. The event also enables us to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones within India’s dynamic defence industry.
We will showcase the CARACAL EF striker-fired combat pistol, chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. This elite sidearm, ideal for law enforcement, features a unique low-bore axis design that enhances instinctive shooting accuracy. In the same 9x19mm category, we will present the modern and modular CMP9 SMG. Available with barrel options of 5.5 inches or 9 inches, the CMP9 operates on a reliable blowback system, making it suitable for close-range urban operations while excelling in precision engagements.
Our participation in Milipol India 2025 offers an excellent platform for CARACAL to highlight locally produced firearms customised for operational needs. Our flagship product, the mission-proven CAR 816 assault rifle, will be on display. Equipped with an adjustable short-stroke gas system for unpowered ammunition, extended use without maintenance, or suppressed firing, the CAR 816 features a free-floating barrel in multiple lengths, effective at ranges from 200 to 550 metres
Our flagship product, the mission-proven CAR 816 assault rifle, will also be on display. Equipped with an adjustable short-stroke gas system for unpowered ammunition, extended use without maintenance, or suppressed firing, the CAR 816 features a free-floating barrel in multiple lengths, effective at ranges from 200 to 550 metres.
In the sniper rifle category, we will exhibit the CSR 308, CSR 338, and CSR 50. The CSR 308, chambered in .308 Winchester, CSR 338 in .338 Lapua Magnum, and CSR 50 in 12.7x99mm NATO ammunition, are precision lightweight sniper rifles known for their ruggedness, reliability, and ease of maintenance. All three models include a fast-adjustable stock, an integrated monopod, and high-end performance from the first shot.
RA: The recent visit by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has added significant momentum to the evolving defence and military cooperation between the UAE and India. Can we anticipate the launch of joint projects by CARACAL or the EDGE Group in the near future to enhance overall defence capabilities?
Hamad Al Ameri: While I cannot comment on other partnerships that the EDGE Group may have in India, I can affirm that from CARACAL’s perspective, India is a key market, and we are seizing every opportunity that promises mutual benefits and growth. As highlighted earlier, CARACAL not only provides tailored weapon systems but also offers customised business models. Our collaboration with ICOMM and the subsequent ToT align directly with the strengthening defence ties between the UAE and India. We are eager to advance this partnership by establishing local manufacturing facilities with ICOMM in the near future.
