SSS Defence SABER .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle, an indigenously designed precision rifle.
Indian defence manufacturer SSS Defence has won contracts to supply 90 assault rifles and 10 sniper rifles to Uttar Pradesh Police, with CEO Vivek Krishnan confirming the sniper rifle development on X.
Bengaluru-based defence manufacturer SSS Defence has won contracts to supply 100 firearms to Uttar Pradesh Police, beating state-owned Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL).
The reported procurement includes 90 assault rifles chambered in 7.62×39mm calibre and 10 sniper rifles chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum.
10 SABER sniper rifles for UP Police
The sniper rifle order involves the SABER, a precision rifle developed by SSS Defence and listed in the Indian government’s Department of Defence Production product catalogue.
The rifle is chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum, a cartridge designed for long-range precision shooting. According to the published specifications, the SABER features a bolt-action mechanism, a five-round magazine and a 27-inch barrel. Its listed weight is 9.72 kg.
SSS Defence states that the rifle offers accuracy of around one minute of angle (MOA) and is designed for ranges exceeding 1,500 metres. Actual performance depends on ammunition, environmental conditions, equipment and the shooter’s skill.
The rifle is designed for specialised marksmen and can be used in security operations that require precision at extended distances.
The Department of Defence Production’s product catalogue also records an earlier order for 20 SABER rifles from Armenia’s Ministry of Defence.
90 assault rifles in 7.62×39mm calibre
The second component of the reported procurement comprises 90 assault rifles chambered in 7.62×39mm calibre.
The cartridge is widely used in assault rifles and is designed for conventional armed operations at close-to-medium ranges. These rifles serve a different operational role from the .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifles.
The two components together account for 100 firearms in the reported procurement. The final contract values, delivery schedules and detailed configurations have not been established from the available information.
Who is SSS Defence?
Founded in 2017, SSS Defence is an Indian private-sector defence manufacturer based in Bengaluru. The company develops and manufactures small arms and other defence equipment.
Its product portfolio includes assault rifles, carbines, submachine guns, handguns and precision sniper rifles. The company is part of the Stumpp Schuele & Somappa group and has been expanding its presence in India’s police and security equipment market.
The reported contracts would add to its business with Indian security agencies and highlight the participation of private manufacturers in domestic firearms procurement.
Who is AWEIL?
Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited is a government-owned defence public sector undertaking headquartered in Kanpur. It was established in 2021 following the restructuring of the former Ordnance Factory Board.
AWEIL manufactures small arms and other weapons and equipment for India’s armed forces and security agencies.
The reported procurement places a private Indian manufacturer in competition with a government-owned defence enterprise. However, the available information does not establish which specific technical or commercial factors determined the tender outcome.
Previous SSS Defence supplies to Uttar Pradesh Police
The reported contracts follow earlier purchases of SSS Defence firearms by Uttar Pradesh Police.
In May 2026, reports said the company had completed delivery of 2,000 M72 carbines to the state police. The Department of Defence Production’s product catalogue also lists an order for 2,000 M72 units for the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force.
These earlier supplies are separate from the reported October procurement of 90 assault rifles and 10 sniper rifles.
Significance for India’s defence manufacturing sector
The reported contracts highlight the growing participation of Indian private-sector companies in supplying firearms to police and security agencies.
India has been encouraging domestic defence production to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imported equipment. Indigenous manufacturers are seeking opportunities in both domestic and international markets.
For SSS Defence, the reported procurement would expand its presence in the specialised firearms segment and add to its relationship with Uttar Pradesh Police.
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