SOURCE: AFI
In a remarkable showcase of indigenous defense technology, an India-made sniper rifle has reportedly outperformed the iconic American Barrett in a high-profile competition. The National Security Guard (NSG), India’s elite counter-terrorism force, clinched victory in the All India Police Commando Competition using the .338 Saber, a sniper rifle designed and manufactured by Bengaluru-based SSS Defence. This triumph has spotlighted India’s growing prowess in the global arms manufacturing arena.
The competition, which pits some of India’s finest commando units against one another, saw the NSG take on formidable opponents, including Force One of the Maharashtra Police. Force One, equipped with the American-made Barrett .50 Cal—a sniper rifle widely regarded as one of the best in the world—secured second place. Despite the Barrett’s reputation for power and precision, the .338 Saber proved superior in this contest, underscoring the capabilities of India’s homegrown technology.
The .338 Saber, chambered in the .338 Lapua Magnum caliber, is the only indigenously designed and manufactured sniper rifle of its kind in India. Developed by SSS Defence, a private firm based in Bengaluru, the rifle is engineered for long-range precision, with an effective range of up to 1,500 meters. Its performance in the competition highlights not only its accuracy but also its reliability under the demanding conditions faced by elite forces. The NSG’s decision to field the Saber, even when they had access to advanced foreign options like the Barrett MRAD, speaks volumes about their confidence in this Indian innovation.
This victory is more than just a competitive win—it’s a testament to India’s advancing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The country has historically relied on imports for high-end weaponry, including sniper rifles like the Barrett, used by both the Indian Army and special forces along the Line of Control (LoC). However, the success of the .338 Saber signals a shift, with indigenous designs now competing toe-to-toe with, and even surpassing, global standards.
SSS Defence has already made waves beyond India’s borders, securing export contracts for the .338 Saber and millions of dollars’ worth of ammunition to friendly nations. The rifle’s win against the Barrett .50 Cal, a staple in the arsenals of U.S. Special Forces and other militaries worldwide, could further boost its international appeal. For India, this achievement aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, aimed at fostering domestic innovation and reducing dependence on foreign defense suppliers.
The All India Police Commando Competition serves as a rigorous testing ground for both personnel and equipment. The NSG’s triumph with the .338 Saber over Force One’s Barrett .50 Cal has sparked discussions among defense enthusiasts and experts alike. While the Barrett is celebrated for its .50 BMG rounds and anti-materiel capabilities, the Saber’s lighter .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge offers a balance of range, accuracy, and portability—qualities that evidently gave it an edge in this contest.
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