Indian small-arms manufacturer SSS Defence has secured fresh export orders for its indigenously developed .338 Lapua Magnum calibre Saber sniper rifle from a friendly nation, underscoring the growing international acceptance of India’s private defence industry products.

According to sources in the defence establishment, the foreign military placed repeat orders after operationally testing the weapon and finding its performance satisfactory, marking a significant endorsement of indigenous capability in precision shooting systems.

The deal builds upon India’s milestone last year when SSS Defence became the first Indian company to export sniper rifles, shifting away from a long history of being purely an importer in this category.

In addition to the repeat sniper rifle procurement, contracts worth $30 million for ammunition supply have also been concluded with the same country, though in a different calibre—specifically 7.62×51 mm rounds.

The contract is presently under execution, further consolidating the Bangalore-based firm’s foothold in the small-arms export market. Industry officials note that this latest development follows earlier successes where SSS Defence completed deliveries of approximately $50 million worth of ammunition to multiple friendly countries, including India’s own regional neighbour, reflecting sustained demand for cost-effective yet high-quality Indian-made munitions.

The rising profile of SSS Defence in India’s defence exports has been supported by Government of India initiatives, with officials facilitating accelerated clearance processes and actively linking foreign procurement requests with private manufacturers.

This coordinated effort aligns with New Delhi’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) agenda in defence production, which emphasises boosting indigenous content, reducing import dependency, and carving out a share in the global arms industry.

The proactive hand holding by the government has allowed private firms such as SSS Defence to compete internationally in areas traditionally dominated by Western and Russian arms manufacturers.

The Saber .338 sniper rifle, a flagship product of SSS Defence, remains a standout system in India’s indigenisation drive. Designed and manufactured entirely in the country, it is the only Indian-made weapon available in what is widely regarded as the most reputed sniper calibre. With an effective range of 1,500 metres and accuracy within sub–1 Minute of Angle (MoA)—translating into a grouping of just 3 cm at a range of 100 metres—the rifle offers world-class performance parameters.

Technically, the system features a 27-inch match-grade barrel made in India, a monolithic chassis, a two-stage trigger, and is suppressor-compatible with silencers also indigenously designed and manufactured.

These qualities align the Saber rifle with globally benchmarked sniper systems such as the Barrett family while retaining a cost and modularity advantage suited for both government forces and export markets.

Domestically, the rifle has already demonstrated its capability in competitive and operational environments. Earlier this year, the National Security Guard (NSG) successfully used the .338 Saber to win the All India Police Commando Competition in the sniper category, out-performing several elite commando teams equipped with established Western rifles.

Notably, Maharashtra Police’s Force One, operating the American-made Barrett .50 calibre sniper rifle—considered one of the most formidable long-range rifles globally—took second place. That the Indian-made Saber outperformed such a globally reputed system in a domestic competition significantly boosts its credibility and marketability abroad, showcasing not just manufacturing competence but superior design-to-deployment outcomes.

The new export orders and the ammunition contracts indicate that SSS Defence’s trajectory is emblematic of a transformation in India’s small-arms sector. From being an unmet need long fulfilled by imports and foreign suppliers, India is now in a position where its private defence manufacturers are gaining validation in global markets.

The blend of quality, indigenisation, and competitive pricing—backed by government facilitation—is cementing India’s ability to project itself as an emerging supplier of advanced light weapons and precision munitions.

Looking ahead, continued performance-based acquisitions coupled with successful domestic deployment are expected to strengthen SSS Defence’s brand internationally and expand India’s standing as a rising small-arms exporter in the global defence ecosystem.

Based On The Print Report