LIMA 2023: Edge signs agreement with Ketech Asia to produce rifles

Caracal has signed an agreement with Ketech Asia for the production of the CAR 816 assault rifles, pictured above, in Malaysia. The CAR 816 is chambered for the 5.56×45 mm cartridge. (Edge)

The United Arab Emirates small-arms manufacturer Edge Group's Caracal subsidiary has signed an agreement with Ketech Asia for the production and resale of the CAR 816 assault rifles in Malaysia.

The agreement was signed on 24 May at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2023, held in Langkawi, Malaysia, from 23 to 27 May.

Under the agreement, Caracal will transfer the technology to Ketech Asia to assemble CAR 816s in Ketech's Pahang facility, Edge said. “Ketech Asia will become an official reseller of the CAR 816s with the aim of increasing sales across Southeast Asia.”

The two companies will “review the potential of co-developing new firearms” and the agreement will also enable Edge to explore other opportunities in Malaysia for Caracal small arms, Edge added.

According to Janes Weapons: Infantry, the CAR 816 assault rifle is chambered for the 5.56×45 mm cartridge. The CAR 816 is based on the ArmaLite AR‐15 design.

The CAR 816 series are gas‐cycled weapons that use a short‐stroke gas piston system of operation. They are selective-fire weapons, with semi‐automatic and fully automatic capabilities.

The CAR 816 is fed from 30‐round steel or polymer M16 pattern magazines. The CAR 816 is factory-fitted with a backup iron sight (BUIS) consisting of a front post and rear aperture.

A number of electro‐optical sights can be mounted on the CAR 816 at the upper receiver's MIL‐STD‐1913 rail.

Edge Group had not responded to Janes request for comments regarding the CAR 816's selling potential in Malaysia at the time of publication.