India has become an exporter of sniper rifles for the first time after a Bengaluru-based firm bagged the contract from a friendly nation. Small-arms manufacturer SSS Defence has bagged a mega export contract from a country to supply .338 Lapua Magnum calibre sniper rifles. Not only the sniper rifles, the private firm also bagged contracts for the supply of nearly USD 50 million worth of ammunition from multiple countries.

The sniper rifle, intended for targets up to 1,500 meters and beyond, is completely designed and made in India. Quoting sources in the defense sector, a report by The Print said this is the first time India has exported sniper files to a foreign country. Sources further said that SSS Defence has already completed the export of the sniper rifles and is in talks with a few other nations as well.

Delegations from these countries have already visited the firm’s manufacturing and testing centre in Bengaluru, and further discussion over the deal is underway, sources added. “India is now manufacturing and exporting a large number of equipment, from artillery guns to missile systems and small arms. India was till now an importer of these systems, but now we have started exporting them,” one of the sources was quoted by The Print as saying. This rifle has high export potential because at least 30 countries use the .338 Lapua Magnum sniper. Also, over a dozen manufacturers produce rifles, in multiple configurations, in this calibre.