25 February 2015

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, February 25 - Caracal Light Ammunition (CLA), the UAEs leading small arms ammunition manufacturer and part of Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), today announced that it has entered an agreement with the US-based Orbital ATK to develop ammunition in the UAE.

The agreement, signed at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), is a first step in what both parties hope will be a long-term strategic relationship with a view to achieving continual and sustainable improvement in small arms ammunition manufacturing in the UAE. The agreement provides for technical support and cooperation in quality, reliability and production improvement, reflecting CLAs determination to continue raising the bar, and enhancing the value provision to its customers in local and international markets.

Orbital ATK operates the United States Armys only small caliber ammunition production facility.

Mohammed Salem Al Falasi, Chief Executive Officer of Caracal Light Ammunition, said: CLA has always confirmed its commitment to ensuring the continual capability-building and sustainable development to the local UAE workforce, supporting the countrys vision and building the future of the industry. This new agreement is a testament that we are steadily and successfully fulfilling this commitment".

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About Caracal Light Ammunition:
Caracal Light Ammunition (CLA) is the UAEs leading manufacturer of small arms ammunition and part of Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC). CLA has achieved an excellent reputation globally due to its commitment to product development and customization, excellence in manufacturing and applying the highest international standards of safety and quality. CLA military ammunition is NATO compliance. 

CLA boasts production lines able to manufacture the following calibers:

- 5.56 x 45mm caliber, of types (ball M193 and M855, tracer and blank rounds)

- 9 x 19mm caliber, of types (124 grn ball, 115 grn ball, blank and armor piercing  rounds)

Sporting ammunition of calibers:

- .223 Remington (69 Grains and 55 Grains cartridges)

- .308 Win Match (155 Grains and 168 Grains cartridges)

CLA also has assembly lines for the following calibers:

- 7.62 x 51mm caliber of types (ball, tracer, armor piercing and blank cartridges

- 12.7 x 99mm caliber, of types (ball, tracer, AP, API, blank, APIT). 

About Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC)
EDIC is the regions premier integrated national defence services and manufacturing platform, providing world-class facilities, technology and support services. Based in the UAE, the company brings together the combined capabilities of the UAEs defence industries into a single integrated platform to enhance value for our clients, shareholders, partners and other stakeholders.

For more information, please contact:
Ahmet Lutfi Varoglu
Advisor, Business Development & GHQ Relations
Email: avaroglu@tawazun.ae

Saif Ali Al Marzooqi
Associate Director - Corporate Communications
Email: salmarzooqi@tawazun.ae

Press Release 2015