VAYU : In CARACAL’s understanding, what is the current stage of procurement of the CAR 816 deal with the Indian Government?
Caracal: CARACAL was selected to supply the Close-Quarter Carbine to the Indian Army in 2018, following a rigorous selection process. CARACAL has additionally fulfilled all the requirements and procedures laid out in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), with CAR 816 undergoing extensive trials across different terrains in India, as well as outside the country, to ensure that it is fully customised to the requirement of the Indian soldier. The company surpassed global competitors in terms of performance and technicalities to win the bid and we are expecting the Ministry of Defence to take the process of awarding the contract to its logical conclusion. We would like to reiterate our commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and the fast-tracked supply of the CAR 816 assault rifles - we remain on standby to supply the product to the customer.
VAYU : What are the various steps and investments you are taking as part of the deal?
Caracal: We are committed to fulfilling all obligations under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and will make sure that CARACAL oversees technology transfer. We have already identified the required land, facility and are in talks with potential local partners to be able to commence production. We remain completely invested in this deal and await for a formal communication to commence supply.
VAYU : About the contract, how do you propose to discharge it while meeting the ‘Make in India’ norms?
Caracal: CARACAL is committed to enhancing India’s defence preparedness through the ‘Make in India’ Initiative. We have already identified the required land and facility to be able to commence production immediately. CARACAL has been in touch with potential partners in India who have the capability and capacity to manufacture components of the weapon. We will phase in the manufacturing fully in India, once the contract is awarded officially. We strongly affirm that CARACAL remains committed to its bid and is fully aligned to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
VAYU : Has there been a response from the Indian government regarding the deal?
Caracal: We await an official confirmation from the Government of India to start up manufacturing. We remain on standby and will commence production immediately once we receive the formal award.
VAYU : The Indian Army has a very urgent requirement for the carbines - how quickly can the first lot be delivered by CARACAL?
Caracal: On the technical side, we are fully equipped to supply the CQBs to the Indian market in 12 months as per the fast track procurement terms. We await an official communication from the Indian Ministry of Defence to commence the process of supplying the carbines. Our focus remains on delivering a product which is best in quality and tailormade as per the requirements of the Indian soldier. We reaffirm our commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the fast-tracked supply of the CAR 816 assault rifles, and remain on standby to supply the product to the customer upon instruction.
VAYU : What are the specifications of the CQB?
Caracal: The CARACAL CAR816 is a centre-fire, gas-operated tactical rifle, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The CAR816 is a tactical weapon, available in semi-automatic and select-fire configurations, operated by a short-stroke pushrod gas piston with a rotating bolt system. Unlike previous technology utilised in the direct gas impingement systems, the CAR816, due to its advanced piston system, remains clean and cool even after rapid succession firing. The CAR816 is capable of firing up to 900 rounds per minute in full-automatic mode. The rifle is also available in various barrel lengths and has an effective range of 550 metres. It has a weight of approximately 3.0kg without the magazine and enables soldiers to accessorise for various missions. Depending on the customer’s requirements, the weapon can be completely ambidextrous, with all controls operational for both right-handed and lefthanded shooters.
VAYU : In a recent press release, CARACAL said it is ready to manufacture the guns in India with a local partner. Can you please share details of the partner, what sort of local arrangement for division of work is expected and where would such a manufacturing plant come up?
Caracal: CARACAL has been in touch with potential partners in India who have the capability and capacity to produce the required parts of the weapon. We are well equipped and committed to fully manufacture this product in India. More details about the partner and the manufacturing plant will be revealed once the contract is awarded.
VAYU : CARACAL is a wholly UAE govt owned company - what other projects are on for discussion between India and the UAE and what cooperation for the future is planned? What is the larger plan of CARACAL for the Indian market?
Caracal: Presently, the completion of the CAR 816 deal with India is our primary focus. CARACAL has a wide portfolio of 17 products of various calibre, and we are always available to engage with the Indian Ministry of Defence on new projects. Also, India shares a strong bilateral relationship with the UAE. Mutual cooperation and understanding in the area of defence manufacturing will enhance and strengthen our existing ties. In fact, the completion of the CAR 816 deal will be a great and positive development for us, at CARACAL.
VAYU : Can you share details regarding the EDGE Group, which CARACAL is a part of?
Caracal: EDGE is an advanced technology group for defence and beyond, and CARACAL falls within its Missiles & Weapons cluster. Dedicated to bringing innovative technologies and services to market with greater speed and efficiency, EDGE invests in advanced technologies such as autonomous capabilities, cyberphysical systems, advanced propulsion systems, robotics and smart materials, with artificial intelligence embedded across all of its products and services.EDGE has 12,000 employees working across 25 entities and offers expertise in five core clusters: Platforms & Systems, Missiles & Weapons, Cyber Defence, Electronic Warfare & Intelligence and Mission Support. EDGE’s operating model focuses on building collaborative opportunities. It is open to co-invest and co-develop new ideas, concepts and platforms. And CARACAL is proud to be part of a conglomerate that is reimagining capabilities through technology leadership, with research and development at its core.
CARACAL is an entity within its own rights and has wholly owned subsidiaries in Germany and the USA, with a production legacy spanning more than 15 years. Our company designs, engineers, innovates and manufactures battlefield-proven firearms for law enforcement, security and military forces and we continue to enhance and update our products, incorporating the latest technological advances, changing customer needs and evolving mission requirements.
