Indigenous Sniper Rifle: The Sabre Propels India’s Self-Reliance In Defence – Analysis

India is experiencing a surge in self-reliance, especially in the defence sector. With the easing of government restrictions, many local startups are challenging well-known firearm manufacturers, such as Heckler & Koch, Sig Sauer and FN Herstal.

One notable startup, the Bengaluru-based SSS Defence—part of the Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Group—is focused on making India self-sufficient by reducing the need for imported firearms for the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies.

Founded in 2017, SSS Defence specializes in manufacturing small arms, ammunition and high-end firearm accessories, such as optics. With a strong emphasis on innovation and smart design, the company aims to create advanced defence technology that integrates thoughtful design, precise engineering and top-notch operational performance. To meet the needs of the country’s defence forces and law-enforcement agencies, SSS Defence is developing advanced weapon systems and updating existing ones to handle modern challenges.

The company builds on the legacy of Padma Shri Machani Somappa, a former Indian industrialist. In 1960, he founded Stumpp, Schuele and Somappa, in partnership with the renowned German spring manufacturers, Stump & Schuele. This venture became the first spring manufacturing unit in the Indian subcontinent.

Sabre: Advanced .338 Lapua Magnum Sniper Rifle

A foreign nation is now also a major export client client of SSS Defence for its .338 Lapua Magnum-calibre sniper rifles. The contract is completed. Sabre, the sniper rifle, and its barrel, is entirely designed and built in India.

The term, ‘338 Lapua Magnum calibre’, refers to a specific type of rifle cartridge. A .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge features a bullet that is about .338 inches in diameter and is designed for high accuracy and long-range performance.

Here is what it means:

• .338: This indicates the diameter of the bullet, which is approximately .338 inches (8.6 millimetres)
• Lapua Magnum: This signifies the cartridge’s design and origin, developed by the Finnish company, Lapua, for long-range precision shooting

Interestingly, besides the sniper rifles, the private firm has secured contracts to supply nearly USD 50 million worth of ammunition to several friendly countries. Sources also mentioned that SSS Defence had successfully completed the export of sniper rifles designed for targets of up to 1,500 metres and beyond. The company is currently in discussions with a few other countries, as well.

Reason for India’s shift to Advanced Sniper Rifles

Defence sources have indicated that, while private companies are actively seeking clients, the Indian government is supporting them with faster clearances and directing foreign requests their way. India’s annual defence production reached a record high of approximately Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2023-’24, with the ‘Make in India’ programme achieving new milestones.

The 7.62x54mm Dragunov Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle

Until recently, and still to some extent today, the Indian Army has used the Russian-made 7.62x54mm Dragunov designated marksman rifle (DMR) as its standard-issue, long-range rifle.

• The 7.62x54mm Dragunov designated marksman rifle (DMR) is a semi-automatic sniper rifle developed in the Soviet Union. Designed for long-range shooting, it has an effective range of up to 800 metres. It is commonly used by the military forces to provide accurate fire support at extended distances.
• The designation, ‘7.62x54mm’, refers to the cartridge used by the DMR. Specifically, ‘7.62’ indicates the diameter of the bullet in millimetres, while ‘54mm’ denotes the length of the cartridge case in millimetres. Therefore, a 7.62x54mm cartridge features a bullet that is 7.62 millimetres in diameter and a case that is 54 millimetres long.

But the 7.62x54mm bullet lacks enough firepower to effectively hit a target beyond 900-1,000 metres. As a result, the army is looking to purchase rifles that use the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. The Indian Army has requisitioned 4,500 sniper rifles, with bids submitted over a year and a half ago, but the trials are yet to begin. This export order mirrors the confidence of a foreign user and the .338 Lapua Magnum Sabre rifle seems to be a strong contender for winning this contract.