Is the Malaysian Army on the Verge of Adopting the CAR 816 Rifle ??
In a move that underscores deepening defense cooperation, Malaysian defense firm Ketech Asia and CARACAL, a subsidiary of the UAE’s EDGE Group, formalized a landmark agreement on the second day of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The deal builds upon a prior partnership established at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Malaysian defense firm, Ketech Asia has forged a strategic partnership with CARACAL, a leading UAE-based small arms manufacturer part of the EDGE Group to assemble and produce the CAR 816 assault rifle at its newly inaugurated facility in Pahang, Malaysia—a move set to bolster the nation’s defense industry and technological capabilities.
On the second day of the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Ketech Asia and CARACAL formalized an agreement that could reshape the regional small-arms industry.
The signing ceremony, attended by Malaysia’s Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, cements a partnership that will see Ketech Asia manufacture and assemble key components of the CAR 816 assault rifle at its newly established facility in Pahang, Malaysia.
“Following a reseller agreement in 2023, Ketech Asia will now produce critical components of the CAR 816 rifle at its new facility in Pahang,” the UAE company said in a statement issued titled ” EDGE to Produce CAR 816 Assault Rifle in Malaysia Under Ketech Asia Agreement.”
CARACAL, a subsidiary of EDGE Group, hailed the deal as a major milestone in its commitment to advancing Southeast Asia’s defense modernization efforts through partnerships that foster industrial growth.
“This latest agreement, signed at IDEX 2025, marks a significant step in EDGE’s broader strategy to support modernization initiatives in Southeast Asia through strategic collaborations that empower local industry,” CARACAL said in a statement.
At the heart of the agreement is the CAR 816, a battle-proven 5.56x45mm NATO-caliber assault rifle.
Designed for military and law enforcement operations, the CAR 816 features an adjustable short-stroke gas piston system, is available in multiple barrel lengths, and supports a range of aftermarket attachments tailored to user requirements.
The collaboration between Ketech Asia and CARACAL first took shape during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023, where both companies signed an earlier agreement involving the CAR 816 rifle.
In a statement on his official Facebook account, Mohamed Khaled underscored the strategic significance of the partnership, noting that it paves the way for technology transfer that will allow Ketech Asia to locally assemble essential components of the CAR 816 while enhancing the capabilities of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
“This collaboration is a testament to the strength and potential of Malaysia’s defense industry on the global stage. I look forward to seeing this strategic partnership flourish, benefiting the local defense ecosystem, the ATM, and the nation as a whole,” he said.
The minister also highlighted CARACAL’s standing as a globally recognized small-arms manufacturer, with over 15 years of expertise in designing and producing cutting-edge firearms.
Since 2015, the CAR 816 has served as the primary service rifle of the UAE Armed Forces, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and combat-proven weapon.
Speaking to international defense website Janes back in 2023, EDGE Group said CARACAL has been actively engaging with the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) regarding a potential supply agreement for the CAR 816, with discussions ongoing since 2023.
Often referred to as the “Caracal Sultan” or simply “Sultan,” the CAR 816 is a 5.56x45mm NATO-caliber, gas-operated rifle developed by CARACAL International, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Built for military and law enforcement applications, it is a tactical firearm available in semi-automatic and select-fire configurations, utilizing a short-stroke gas piston system with three operating modes: safe, semi-auto, and full-auto.
With a weight ranging between 2.9kg and 3.4kg, the CAR 816 boasts a rate of fire between 750 to 950 rounds per minute and an effective range of approximately 500 meters.
Beyond its performance specifications, the CAR 816 carries a strong design lineage, sharing key DNA with the Heckler & Koch HK416.
The rifle was reportedly designed by Robert Hirt and Chris Sirois, the same engineers behind the HK416, before they were recruited by CARACAL to develop an improved successor—leading to the birth of the CAR 816.
The rifle has since gained traction beyond the UAE, finding its way into the arsenal of the Ethiopian National Defense Force’s Republican Guard.
CARACAL is a UAE-based defense company specializing in the design, development, and production of modern firearms for military, law enforcement, and commercial markets.
The company is widely recognized for its high-performance small arms portfolio, which includes the CAR 816 assault rifle, a range of handguns, and various other tactical firearms.
Actively pursuing international partnerships and technology transfer agreements, CARACAL continues to expand its global footprint, positioning itself as a key player in the international defense market.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
