CARACAL, a part of EDGE, has entered an agreement with Ketech Asia to initiate the assembly and production of the CAR 816 assault rifles in Malaysia.
This agreement was formalised at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference 2025 (IDEX 2025).
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It follows a reseller agreement from 2023 and will see Ketech Asia manufacturing critical components for the rifle at their new facility in Pahang, Malaysia.
The CAR 816, a 5.56x45mm NATO-calibre assault rifle, features short-stroke push rod gas piston design, which is regulated by a three-position gas valve.
This rifle, adaptable with various barrel lengths, is designed to accommodate multiple aftermarket attachments.
In addition, EDGE has also announced a collaborative venture with GM Defense to explore projects centred on light tactical vehicles for markets in the Middle East, Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, and EDGE’s NIMR Automotive aims to identify potential defence opportunities in these regions.
This MoU was also signed at IDEX 2025.
EDGE Group Platforms & Systems Khaled president Al Zaabi said: “This collaboration reflects a shared vision to unlock new possibilities in defence solutions.
“By uniting EDGE’s regional insight, operational excellence, and established infrastructure with GM Defense’s technical expertise and industry leadership, we aim to create a powerful synergy that will drive innovative projects and elevate operational capabilities across key markets.”
GM Defense president Steve duMont said: “This strategic agreement marks a significant step towards localising GM Defense’s advanced capabilities and expanding GM’s transformational technologies and investments into new global defence markets.”
These developments follow closely on the heels of another agreement by EDGE entity Katim with Indra Sistemas, a Spanish IT and defence systems firm, to enhance ultra-secure communications.
In addition, EDGE has entered an MoU with ELT to consider the creation of a joint venture within the UAE.
