Caracal, a subsidiary of the Edge Group has made an offer to supply its CAR 816 assault rifles to the Malaysian Army. In a recent development, Caracal signed an agreement with Ketech Asia in late May, allowing for the production and resale of CAR 816 rifles within Malaysia. This agreement also involves the transfer of technology, enabling Ketech Asia to assemble the CAR 816 tactical assault rifle at its new facilities in Pahang. A spokesperson from Edge informed Janes that Caracal is currently engaged in discussions with the Malaysian Army regarding the potential procurement of CAR 816 rifles.
Under the agreement, the two companies will conduct a transfer of technology that enables Ketech Asia to assemble the highly reliable, mission-proven CAR 816 tactical assault rifle to meet the requirements of the Royal Malaysia Armed Forces. Cooperation will also take place to review the potential of co-developing new firearms, and Ketech Asia will become an official reseller of the rifle, underscoring EDGE’s confidence in developing valuable and mutually beneficial industry partnerships in Malaysia. The agreement with Ketech will also aid EDGE to explore other opportunities in Malaysia for the full range of CARACAL small arms.
The CAR 816, also called Caracal Sultan or simply Sultan, is a 5.56×45mm NATO, gas-operated, magazine-fed assault rifle that is produced by Caracal International in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The CAR 816 is a tactical weapon designed for the high-end use of law enforcement and military applications. The weapon is available in semi-automatic and select-fire configurations. The CAR 816 operates on a short-stroke piston system with three settings.
Semi-automatic only and select-fire models. It has semi-automatic only and select-fire models and the rifle is available in multiple barrel lengths from 7.5” PDW to 16” with full ambidextrous configuration.
The Malaysian Army is also considering the purchase of CMP9 SMG sub-machine guns and CSA 338 semi-automatic sniper rifles from Caracal alongside the CAR 816 rifles. The CMP9 SMG is a modern and modular weapon operating on advanced blow-back system chambered in 9x19mm calibre. The bolt extends over the barrel for good weight distribution and weapon control with rear ambidextrous charging handle and traditional AR-style fire control. The CSA 338 was built from the ground up to the highest requirements of Special Forces for reliable operation in the harshest most unforgiving environments. It utilizes and improves upon the battle proven AR ergonomics, adding an extra level to the familiar intuitive ease of operation.