SOURCE: AFI
SSS Defence, India’s first private-sector manufacturer of sniper rifles, is taking its pioneering efforts a step further by planning to establish a comprehensive sniper school and supporting ecosystem. CEO Vivek Krishnan recently discussed the journey that led the company to this innovative venture and their vision for advancing India’s sniping capabilities.
Krishnan credited SSS Defence’s roots in metallurgy and manufacturing expertise, particularly as a major supplier of springs to the automotive sector, for their success in weapon systems development. “The spring is at the heart of every firearm,” Krishnan noted, emphasizing the critical role of precision and durability. Leveraging decades of experience, the company transitioned into the small arms and ammunition sector in 2017, selecting sniper rifles as their focus.
SSS Defence’s sniper platforms, the Viper (7.62×51 mm) and Saber (8.6×70 mm), have since gained recognition both domestically and internationally. The Viper caters to military and law enforcement with its lightweight, modular design, while the Saber boasts high accuracy for heavier calibers, making it suitable for military applications. Both rifles have undergone rigorous testing and iterative development, with the latest models reaching “Mark III” status.
A key differentiator for SSS Defence is their end-to-end control over design, manufacturing, and testing. “Our team is 100% indigenous, from engineering to testing,” Krishnan said, proudly noting that their rifles are developed entirely in India. This approach has enabled the company to meet stringent international standards while tailoring solutions for domestic needs.
The sniper school complements SSS Defence’s broader vision of advancing India’s defense capabilities. By nurturing homegrown talent and fostering collaboration with military and law enforcement, the initiative aims to set new benchmarks in precision warfare.
Krishnan underscored the strategic significance of snipers in asymmetric warfare. “Snipers consistently outperform other weapons in kill ratios, from World War I to today,” he said. However, he stressed that effective sniping requires more than just superior rifles—it demands skilled shooters and robust tactics.
The proposed ecosystem will integrate weapon design, manufacturing, and training, ensuring snipers are equipped not just with state-of-the-art rifles but also with the expertise to maximize their potential.
With the Viper and Saber gaining acceptance in international military markets, SSS Defence is poised to elevate India’s reputation as a global player in precision weaponry. The sniper school will further bolster this effort, creating a foundation for India to develop world-class snipers capable of meeting evolving security challenges.
The envisioned sniper school aims to address gaps in training, tactics, and the use of precision weaponry. Krishnan highlighted the importance of understanding the science and art of sniping:
- Training and Transition: Moving from Dragunov semi-automatic rifles to bolt-action snipers demands a paradigm shift. “Marksmen and snipers require distinct skill sets, tactics, and technical understanding,” Krishnan explained.
- Environmental Challenges: India’s diverse and often challenging terrains, from mountains to deserts, necessitate specialized training in long-range shooting and weapon stability.
- Data-Driven Insights: SSS Defence plans to incorporate feedback from military units into their training modules, focusing on sound suppression, weapon balance, and long-range accuracy.
Krishnan envisions the school as a hub where the science of ballistics meets the art of marksmanship, supported by indigenous innovation.