According to sources within the defense establishment, this marks the first instance of India exporting sniper rifles to another country. These rifles, known as Sabre, use the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, which allows military snipers to hit targets up to 1,500 meters (4,900 Feet) away.
India's private arms manufacturer, Bangalore-based, Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Defence (SSS Defence), has achieved a milestone by exporting sniper rifles to a friendly foreign nation, as per media reports.
According to sources within the defense establishment, this marks the first instance of India exporting sniper rifles to another country. These rifles, known as Sabre, use the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, which allows military snipers to hit targets up to 1,500 meters (4,900 Feet) away. The sniper rifle is fully designed and manufactured in India, including the production of its barrel.
In addition to the rifles, SSS Defence has also exported high-quality ammunition worth $50 million to various countries. The company is currently in talks with several other nations to export more rifles and ammunition.
The Indian Army needs 4,500 sniper rifles that use the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. They have already imported some Italian .338 Lapua Magnum Scorpio TGT sniper rifles and .50 caliber Barrett M95 rifles from the United States.
Traditionally, the Indian Army has used the 7.62x54mm Russian-made Dragunov designated marksman rifle (DMR) for long-range shooting. However, these rifles are effective only up to 900-1,000 meters. This is why the Army is looking to switch to the more powerful .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge rifles.
Although the bids for the Indian Army's requirement of 4,500 sniper rifles were released over a year and a half ago, trials have not yet started. With this recent export order and the confidence shown by a foreign customer, the .338 Lapua Magnum Sabre rifle is in a strong position to secure this order.
The Power and Precision of the .338 Lapua MagnumThe .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge is renowned for its exceptional long-range accuracy and powerful performance, making it a preferred choice for military snipers. Designed to maintain high accuracy at extended ranges, it is capable of hitting targets up to 1,500 meters or more. This long-range capability is enhanced by its high muzzle velocity, typically around 2,800 to 3,000 feet per second, depending on the specific load and bullet weight. This high velocity helps flatten the trajectory and reduce the time of flight to the target, improving accuracy.
Additionally, the .338 Lapua Magnum delivers significant kinetic energy on impact, effective for penetrating body armor and light vehicles, making it ideal for military and law enforcement applications. The bullets used in this cartridge often have a high ballistic coefficient, meaning they are less affected by wind drift and retain velocity better over long distances, further enhancing precision.
Beyond military use, the .338 Lapua Magnum is also popular among civilian long-range shooting enthusiasts and hunters who need a cartridge capable of taking down large games at long distances. Overall, the combination of range, accuracy, power, and versatility makes the .338 Lapua Magnum a standout choice for long-range precision shooting.
Magnum Scorpio TGT Sniper Rifles and Barrett M95 RiflesThe .338 Lapua Magnum Scorpio TGT sniper rifles and .50 caliber Barrett M95 rifles from the United States are two of the most powerful and precise long-range weapons available. The Magnum Scorpio TGT is known for its exceptional accuracy and effective range, designed to hit targets up to 1,500 meters away with high precision. It utilizes the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge, which provides a high muzzle velocity and significant kinetic energy, making it ideal for military snipers who need to engage distant targets.
On the other hand, the .50 caliber Barrett M95 is a formidable anti-materiel rifle known for its ability to deliver powerful shots over long distances. The M95 uses the .50 BMG (Browning Machine Gun) cartridge, which is capable of penetrating thick armor and disabling light vehicles. This rifle is highly favored by military and law enforcement units for its ruggedness, reliability, and stopping power.
Both the Magnum Scorpio TGT and the Barrett M95 offer unmatched performance in their respective categories, making them essential tools for precision shooting and heavy-duty applications. Their combination of power, accuracy, and versatility ensures they remain top choices for professionals who demand the best from their equipment.
(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author only.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Sabre's Sniper Sangfroid: SSS Defence's magnum opus marks India's arms ascendance")
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}