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SSS Defence, India's first private-sector manufacturer of sniper rifles, is broadening its horizons by venturing into the realm of training. The company plans to establish a comprehensive sniper school and supporting ecosystem, further solidifying its commitment to advancing India's sniping capabilities. CEO Vivek Krishnan recently shared insights into this innovative initiative and the company's journey.
SSS Defence's roots in metallurgy and manufacturing, particularly as a major supplier of springs to the automotive industry, have been instrumental in its success in weapon systems development. "The spring is at the heart of every firearm," Krishnan emphasized, highlighting the crucial role of precision and durability in firearms manufacturing. Leveraging decades of experience, the company transitioned into the small arms and ammunition sector in 2017, with a specific focus on sniper rifles.
The company's sniper platforms, the Viper (7.62×51 mm) and Saber (8.6×70 mm), have garnered recognition both domestically and internationally. The Viper, with its lightweight and modular design, caters to military and law enforcement needs, while the Saber, designed for heavier calibers and boasting high accuracy, is particularly suited 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 its complete control over the design, manufacturing, and testing process. "Our team is 100% indigenous, from engineering to testing," Krishnan proudly stated, emphasizing that their rifles are entirely developed in India. This approach has allowed the company to meet stringent international standards while tailoring solutions to specific domestic requirements.
The establishment of a sniper school complements SSS Defence's broader vision of enhancing India's defence capabilities. By nurturing homegrown talent and fostering collaboration with military and law enforcement agencies, the initiative aims to set new benchmarks in precision warfare.
Krishnan highlighted the strategic importance of snipers in modern warfare, stating that "snipers consistently outperform other weapons in kill ratios." However, he emphasized that effective sniping requires more than just advanced rifles; it demands highly skilled shooters and well-developed tactics.
The proposed ecosystem will integrate weapon design, manufacturing, and training, ensuring that snipers are equipped not only with state-of-the-art rifles but also with the expertise to maximize their effectiveness.
The envisioned sniper school aims to address critical gaps in training, tactics, and the use of precision weaponry. Krishnan stressed the importance of transitioning from semi-automatic rifles like the Dragunov to bolt-action sniper rifles, which requires a shift in skill sets, tactics, and technical understanding. He also highlighted the challenges posed by India's diverse terrains, necessitating specialized training in long-range shooting and weapon stability.
By incorporating data-driven insights and feedback from military units, SSS Defence plans to develop comprehensive training modules that focus on critical aspects like sound suppression, weapon balance, and long-range accuracy. The school is envisioned as a hub where the science of ballistics meets the art of marksmanship, all supported by indigenous innovation.
With the Viper and Saber gaining traction 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.
