Caracal from UAE has signed MoU to manufacture CAR 817AR assault rifle in India.

Caracal firearms manufacturer based in United Arab Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Company MKU for strategic co-operation to manufacture the CAR 817AR assault rifle in India. The CAR 817AR is a center-fire, gas operated, rotating bolt system assault rifle, chambered in 7.62 NATO / .308Win.

Caracal CAR 817AR 7.62mm caliber assault rifle at DSA 2018, the International Defense and Security exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The CAR 817AR assault rifle will be manufactured in India at MKU’s proposed facility in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh under the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Indian government and will be offered to the Indian Army for their requirements.

The MoU also covers a mutual cooperation in promoting MKU Electro Optics and Armour to the UAE forces by EDIC Caracal, a subsidiary of Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC) with more than 16 assets spread across various defense industrial segments in the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Hamad Salem Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of EDIC Caracal said, “Our respective governments already have strong relations, We hope that this cooperation with MKU will become a starting point for a large strategic defense cooperation between both countries that opens the door for many more potential partnerships.

On the occasion, Mr. Neeraj Gupta, Managing Director of MKU said, ‘We look forward to a strong association with EDIC Caracal. This association will further strengthen each other’s product portfolio for India and the Middle East. The CAR 817AR rifle is a rugged and versatile product and will meet all the requirements of our armed forces’

Fahad Abdulrahman Eisa, Senior Manager Business Development, EDIC Caracal added “India is one of the largest and most promising markets in the world and MKU is an ideal partner with its experience and excellent credentials in defense manufacturing. MKU already has existing products which are much required in UAE. We are very positive that this association will see great heights’

This will be the 2nd manufacturing base for Caracal in Asia. Its weapons are currently deployed with various forces in the UAE. The CAR 817AR passes all international standards and specifications and is a proven platform in various adverse conditions.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Caracal International is the region’s leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) small arms producer with a portfolio including the latest technology 9mm striker-fired combat pistol, 9mm submachine gun (SMG) in standard, compact and suppressed versions, three tactical rifle platforms and three modular sniper rifles. These weapons are all of original design and have been developed in house for use by civilians or professional law enforcement and military operators.