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 established itself as a well-renowned name in the small-arms market. Reflecting over your two decades-plus journey, kindly provide a detailed account of CARACAL’s evolving and expanding product range, including the ones that are in development phase.
Hamad Al Ameri: It is important to understand that from our inception, our goal is to provide military and law enforcement clients with high-performance firearms that are tailored to the mission. The result of that focus is a product range that stands out in the international market for their advantageous size and weight, modular ergonomics, precision accuracy, and reliable performance.
We currently offer the CARACAL EF and F GEN II combat pistols, the modern CMP9 sub-machine gun (SMG), the mission-proven CAR 816 and CAR 817 assault rifles, the CAR 817 DMR and CSA 338 semi-automatic sniper rifles, and the CSR 308, CSR 338, and CSR 50 bolt-action sniper rifles.
Our latest firearms include the CLMG 556 compact lightweight machine gun. Chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, the fully automatic belt-fed CLMG 556 operates on an advanced long-stroke gas piston system, featuring a quick-change barrel and a built-in bipod with three adjustable heights.
We recently launched the CSRM (CARACAL Sniper Rifle Multi-Calibre). What is important to note about the CSRM is that it has a patent-pending barrel exchange mechanism with excellent first-shot accuracy and repeatability. Using one simple multi-tool for all adjustments, including the barrel change, the CSRM can be easily calibrated for either the .338 Lapua Magnum, .308 Winchester, or the 6.5 Creedmoor calibres.
RA: How does CARACAL differentiate itself from the competition? In what ways does innovation help in product design and development with a blend of ergonomics and tactical requirements? What’s the USP of CARACAL?
Hamad Al Ameri: As I said, CARACAL is focused on serving the military and civil security markets. The unique advantage is that our firearms are designed and produced to meet exacting requirements and flawlessly operate in unforgiving operational environments.
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
Utilising our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, we can take the feedback gained from our close working relationship with customers and translate it into light-as-possible and reliable high-performance firearms that comply with the stringent international standards specified by NATO and CIP.
What this means is that our guiding principles from design to manufacturing are to produce firearms that do not weigh the end-user down more than necessary, features comfortable and adaptable ergonomics, offers relatively easy maintenance and accessory changes, flawlessly operates in all foreseeable conditions and environments, and delivers effective stopping power with optimal and maintainable accuracy.
RA: What are the major challenges in India’s huge and competitive small arms market? In terms of design, technology, and performance, how different are CARACAL’s products from others? Tell us about your partnership with ICOMM, Make in India experience, and your future strategy to expand your footprint in the Indian market.
Hamad Al Ameri: What I think is really important to our customers and specifically the Indian market, is how a foreign firearm producer can boost the local economy, create jobs, and add value to their industry. For CARACAL, this means taking an inclusive approach to business models and capitalising on knowledge sharing where possible.
Our work with ICOMM is a prime example of our ability to foster mutually beneficial partnerships. In 2023, we signed a licensing agreement with India’s ICOMM, a market leader in developing and manufacturing missile and sub-systems, communications and EW systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, electro-optics, and more. We are currently working together to co-develop a full portfolio of locally manufactured firearms for the Indian market. The most important development from this partnership is that we are conducting the first-ever Transfer of Technology (ToT) in small arms from the UAE to India.
The bottom line is that we are actively participating in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative through offering locally produced firearms.
RA: On the export front, how has CARACAL performed in the last two-three years? What’s your market outlook for the year 2025-2026? Are you planning to tap the emerging opportunities in Europe, considering European Union’s new initiative ‘ReArm Europe’ which has now been termed as ‘Readiness 2030’?
Hamad Al Ameri: While I cannot get into the details of our export successes, what I can say is that we have performed very well over the past three years. In addition to launching two new firearms, we completely sold out our CAR 816 stock last year. We also have ongoing deliveries of our sniper rifles. In a nutshell, we are innovating with new firearms and updating existing models, and the market is responding to that. The outlook for CARACAL is extremely positive, even beyond 2026.
It is important to remember that we have our German subsidiaries, Merkel and Haenel, to support the European market. Merkel has over 120 years of global expertise and operates one of the most high-tech production facilities for hunting rifles in Europe. Haenel offers a holistic product range for military and law enforcement agencies, from sniper rifles to the MK556 assault rifle. Their weapon systems have won international government tenders, and many are in service with the German state police and special units of the Bundeswehr.
RA: Tell us about CARACAL’s partnerships with VentureOne and TII, agreements with Ketech Asia, and CARACAL’s Latin America presence.
Hamad Al Ameri: We have partnered with Abu Dhabi’s VentureOne to launch Centurion, an advanced body armour system designed by the UAE’s Technology Innovation Institute (TII). It is critical to understand that lighter weight, enhanced manoeuvrability, and maximum survivability are critical factors in our customer’s choice of body armour. The result of our understanding and combined research and development efforts have led to the creation of body armour that exceeds international ballistic standards through the integration of next-generation materials.
We have an agreement with Ketech Asia for the assembly and manufacturing of the CAR 816 assault rifle in Malaysia. Ketech Asia will manufacture key components of the CAR 816 at their recently opened factory in Pahang, Malaysia, and in the future, we may explore other opportunities in producing our full range of firearms.
Latin America is a relatively new market for us, but it is important to remember that we are part of the EDGE Group’s growing global footprint. We see significant potential in the region. Our firearms are designed to excel in harsh operational environments, and jungle warfare is no exception. Our weapon systems also excel in close quarters combat operations. Simply put, it is a good opportunity to show our mettle and we look forward to the prospects that South America presents.
RA: CARACAL is participating in Milipol India for the second time. What are your expectations from the event? Kindly provide a detailed account of the products you would be showcasing at Milipol India 2025.
Hamad Al Ameri: Milipol India 2025 provides an ideal opportunity for CARACAL to showcase locally-produced firearms that are tailored to the operation. It also gives us a chance to build on existing relationships and foster new ones within the thriving Indian defence industry.
We will be showcasing the CARACAL EF striker-fired combat pistol, chambered in 9x19mm. As an elite sidearm choice for law enforcement agencies, it features a unique low-bore axis that generates better instinctive shooting. Also, in the 9x19mm category, we have the modern and modular CMP9 SMG. With barrel options of 5.5 inches or nine inches, the CMP9 operates on a reliable blowback system and is designed for close-range operations in urban areas 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 flag-ship assault rifle, the mission-proven CAR 816, will be on show. Operating on a short-stroke gas system that is adjustable for either firing unpowered ammunition, extensive use without maintenance, or suppressed firing, the CAR 816 features a free-floating barrel that is available in multiple lengths for effective ranges between 200 to 550 metres.
In the sniper rifle category, we are showcasing the CSR 308, CSR 338, and CSR 50. The CSR 308, chambered in .308 Winchester, CSR 338, chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, and CSR 50, chambered in 12.7x99mm NATO, are precision lightweight sniper rifles providing ruggedness, reliability, and ease of maintenance. All three feature a fast adjustable stock, an integrated monopod, and high-end performance from the first round.
RA: United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India enjoy a unique and special relationship. The recent visit by Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the UAE, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum added momentum to the evolving defence and military cooperation between the two countries. The focus was on enhancing collaboration in vital areas including defence industries, military training, skills development, and technology transfer. Can we expect the launch of joint projects by CARACAL/EDGE Group in near future to enhance overall defence capabilities in line with the countries’ shared interest in strengthening their strategic partnership?
Hamad Al Ameri: While I cannot speak to the other partnerships that EDGE Group has in India, what I can say is that from CARACAL’s perspective, India is an important market and we are capitalising on every opportunity that offers mutual benefits and growth. As I said, not only does CARACAL offer the advantage of tailored weapon systems, but we also offer tailored business models. Our partnership with ICOMM and subsequent ToT is directly in line with the UAE and India’s evolving defence cooperation. We look forward to taking the next steps in our partnership as we begin to set up local facilities with ICOMM.
