# SSS Defence
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> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/SSS_Defence.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SSS_Defence
> Source revision: 1342740585
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{{short description|Indian firearms manufacturer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Defence
| logo = Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Defence logo.png
| type = [Subsidiary](/source/Subsidiary)
| foundation = 2017[{{Cite web|url=https://www.sssdefence.com/company|title=SSS Defence | Our Company}}]
| location = [Bengaluru](/source/Bengaluru), [India](/source/India)
| owner =
| key_people =
| industry = [Defense](/source/Arms_industry)
| products = [Firearm](/source/Firearm)s, [weapon](/source/weapon)
| revenue = unknown
| num_employees =
| parent = Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Springs
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.sssdefence.com/|sssdefence.com}}
}}
'''Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Defence'''[{{Cite web |last=Dhingra |first=Jayesh |date=5 February 2020 |title=Defexpo 2020: SSS Defence displays new sniper rifles |url=https://www.janes.com/article/94121/defexpo-2020-sss-defence-displays-new-sniper-rifles |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208080642/https://www.janes.com/article/94121/defexpo-2020-sss-defence-displays-new-sniper-rifles |archivedate=2020-02-08 |access-date=2020-02-07 |website=[Jane's Defence Weekly](/source/Jane's_Defence_Weekly)}}] ('''SSS Defence''')[{{Cite web |last=Unnithan |first=Sandeep |date=2020-11-08 |title=Mired in red tape |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/the-big-story/story/20201116-mired-in-red-tape-1738898-2020-11-08 |access-date=2024-11-07 |website=India Today |language=en}}] is an [Indian](/source/India) company that deals in [military](/source/military) small arms sectors. It is a subsidiary of Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Springs. Its current focus area is [small arms](/source/small_arms), ammunition and accessories related to small arms.[{{Cite web |title=SSS Defence: Indigenous OEM In The Rapidly Growing Defense Industry Of India |url=https://www.theindustryoutlook.com/machinery-and-equipment/vendor/sss-defence-indigenous-oem-in-the-rapidly-growing-defense-industry-of-india-cid-1564.html |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=theindustryoutlook.com}}]
== History ==
In 2016, Stumpp Schuele & Somappa Springs, the biggest Indian manufacturer of springs, started deliberating on ways to diversify its business. This led to the creation of SSS Defence.[{{Cite web |last=Vaishnav |first=Ajay |date=2020-02-07 |title=We create weapons with attributes that foreign ones lack, says CEO of startup behind India's first sniper rifles |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/startup/we-create-weapons-with-attributes-that-foreign-ones-lack-says-ceo-of-startup-behind-indias-first-sniper-rifles-5244781.htm |access-date=2020-02-07 |website=[CNBC TV18](/source/CNBC_TV18) |language=en-US}}] This foray into the business of small arms and ammunition was primarily targeted onto the foreign markets located in [Asia](/source/Asia), apart from those in India.[{{Cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/in-a-first-two-indigenous-sniper-rifles-developed-by-bengaluru-based-firm-1609027-2019-10-14|title=In a first, two indigenous sniper rifles developed by Bengaluru-based firm|date=14 October 2019|work=[Asian News International](/source/Asian_News_International)|access-date=4 November 2019|via=[India Today](/source/India_Today)}}]
In October 2021, the firm received an order to upgrade some of Indian army's AK-47 rifles to special operations standard.[{{Cite web|last=Philip|first=Snehesh Alex|date=2021-10-31|title=Bengaluru's SSS Defence beats Israeli firm, will be first from India to upgrade Army's AK-47s|url=https://theprint.in/defence/bengalurus-sss-defence-beats-israeli-firm-will-be-first-from-india-to-upgrade-armys-ak-47s/759716/|access-date=2021-11-01|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}] This was the first time a private Indian company received a firearms order.[{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2021-10-31 |title=Beating Israeli Contender, Indian Co To Upgrade Army's AK-47 |url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/edging-out-israeli-contender-indian-firm-to-upgrade-armys-ak-47-rifles/ |access-date=2021-11-01 |website=Livefist Defence |language=en-US}}]
In July 2024, the company secured the first export contract to a friendly foreign nation, though how many Saber sniper rifles were ordered remains unknown.[{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2024-07-09 |title=India becomes exporter of sniper rifles, Bengaluru firm bags mega contract from friendly nation |url=https://theprint.in/defence/india-becomes-exporter-of-sniper-rifles-bengaluru-firm-bags-mega-contract-from-friendly-nation/2166312/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}][{{Cite news |last=Linganna |first=Girish |date=2024-07-11 |title=Indigenous Sniper Rifle: The Sabre Propels India’s Self-Reliance In Defence – Analysis |url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/11072024-indigenous-sniper-rifle-the-sabre-propels-indias-self-reliance-in-defence-analysis/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240713182641/https://www.eurasiareview.com/11072024-indigenous-sniper-rifle-the-sabre-propels-indias-self-reliance-in-defence-analysis/ |archive-date=2024-07-13 |access-date=2025-12-22 |work=Eurasia Review |language=en-US}}] The company also received the contract of ammunition from several countries.[{{Cite web |last=Pal |first=Pragati |date=2024-07-09 |title=India Becomes Exporter of Sniper Rifles For The First Time As Bengaluru Firm Bags International Contract |url=https://www.news18.com/india/india-becomes-exporter-of-sniper-rifles-for-the-first-time-as-bengaluru-firm-bags-international-contract-8960159.html |access-date=2024-07-10 |website=News18 |language=en}}] The sum of these deals is around $50 million.[{{Cite web |date=2025-03-17 |title=भारत की M72 मात्र ₹93000 में, कैसे इन 4 हाई-टेक बंदूकों को पछाड़ती है ये देसी राइफल? |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zee-hindustan/national/manohar-m72-can-beat-these-4-advanced-rifles-in-comparison-foreign-weapons/2683607 |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Zee News Hindi |language=hi}}] In the same month, the company unveiled a submachine gun chambered in [9mm Parabellum](/source/9mm_Parabellum) and a DMR.[{{cite web |date=2025-03-07 |title=SSS Defence Launches Indigenous Submachine Gun and DMR |url=https://imrmedia.in/sss-defence-launches-indigenous-submachine-gun-and-dmr/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=imrmedia.in |publisher=Indian Military Review}}] In August 2025, the company released the Raptor, which is an assault rifle chambered in .300 Blackout.[{{Cite web |date=2025-08-08 |title=SSS Defence Launches A New Indigenous Raptor Assault Rifle For Indian Special Forces |url=https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2025/08/sss-defence-launches-new-indigenous.html |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=indiandefensenews.in}}]
In September 2025, a friendly nation placed additional orders for the company's [.338 Lapua Magnum](/source/.338_Lapua_Magnum) caliber sniper weapon. Additionally, it has a $30 million contract that is now being carried out for the supply of [7.62×51mm](/source/7.62%C3%9751mm) rounds.[{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=2025-09-08 |title=SSS Defence gets additional order from friendly nation for sniper rifles, $30 mn worth ammunition |url=https://theprint.in/defence/sss-defence-gets-additional-order-from-friendly-nation-for-sniper-rifles-30-mn-worth-ammunition/2738186/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}] The company won a deal in December to equip the [National Security Guard](/source/National_Security_Guard) with 500 units of G72 [9x19 mm](/source/9x19_mm) carbines and accessories, which is expected to cost ₹50 million.[{{Cite web |last=Kumar |first=A. |date=2025-12-22 |title=NSG Places First Operational Order for 500 G72s SMGs from SSS Defence |url=https://www.thedefensenews.com/news-details/NSG-Places-First-Operational-Order-for-500-G72s-SMGs-from-SSS-Defence/ |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=The Defense News |language=en}}][{{Cite web |date=2025-12-22 |title=SSS Defence Secures L1 Status For NSG's 500 9×19mm Carbines |url=https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2025/12/sss-defence-secures-l1-status-for-nsgs.html |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=indiandefensenews.in}}]
On 21 February 2026, SSS Defence announced its "firm decision" to bid in the [Project Grayburn](/source/Project_Grayburn) competition. The project, which is still in concept stage, aims to replace the current [service rifle](/source/service_rifle) family of the [British Army](/source/British_Army), the [SA80](/source/SA80) series, with a new one. The next generation family will consist of five distinct variants with an order of over 2 [lakh](/source/lakh) rifles. The contract period spans 17 years between 1 April 2028 and 31 March 2045.[{{Cite web |last=Pant |first=Vaibhav |date=2026-02-22 |title=In a first, Indian small arms maker to bid for UK Project Grayburn to replace British Army’s SA80 rifles |url=https://theprint.in/defence/in-a-first-indian-small-arms-maker-to-bid-for-uk-project-grayburn-to-replace-british-armys-sa80-rifles/2860726/ |access-date=2026-02-22 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}][{{Cite tweet |number=2025230576375267501 |user=sssdefence |title=We have taken a firm decision to pursue participation in the UK MoD’s Project Grayburn... |date=2026-02-21 |access-date=2026-02-22}}]
== Products and facilities ==
=== Pistols ===
* G72-P
=== Submachine Guns ===
* G72
=== Sniper rifles ===
SSS Defence has developed two sniper rifles and plans to offer them for trials to [Indian special forces](/source/Special_Forces_of_India), being the Viper and the Saber.[{{Cite news |last=Kumar |first=Chethan |date=13 September 2019 |title=Bangalore: In a 1st, Bengaluru firm designs, develops two sniper rifles |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-a-1st-bengaluru-firm-designs-develops-two-sniper-rifles/articleshow/71118461.cms |access-date=4 November 2019 |work=[The Times of India](/source/The_Times_of_India)}}] SSS Defence says that these rifles have been designed to be compatible with the body structures of Indian soldiers.[{{Cite web |last=Siddiqui |first=Huma |date=2020-01-30 |title=DefExpo-2020: Made in India Viper and Sabre snipers! Check details |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/defexpo-2020-made-in-india-viper-and-sabre-snipers-check-details/1839571/ |access-date=2020-02-11 |website=The Financial Express |language=en-US}}]
* Viper is a [sub-MOA](/source/sub-MOA) [sniper rifle](/source/sniper_rifle) chambered for [7.62×51mm](/source/7.62%C3%9751mm_NATO) or [.308](/source/.308_Winchester) cartridges. It has a proven range of more than {{Convert|1000|m|ft}}.[{{Cite web |last=Deb |first=Sheershoo |date=2021-08-27 |title=AK 203 vs P-72: Is Army Against Indigenous Weapons? » |url=https://www.defencexp.com/ak-203-vs-p-72-is-army-against-indigenous-weapons/ |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=DefenceXP - Indian Defence Network |language=en-US}}]
* P-72 Rapid Engagement Combat Rifle (RECR) was designed for general [infantry](/source/infantry) and [special operations](/source/special_operations) environments. It is chambered for [7.62×39mm](/source/7.62%C3%9739mm) or 7.62×51mm.[{{Cite web |last=Gore |first=Prasad |date=2020-09-15 |title=SSS Defence » New leader in Indian private sector defence manufacturing |url=https://www.defencexp.com/sss-defence-new-leader-in-indian-private-sector-defence-manufacturing/ |access-date=2022-05-09 |website=DefenceXP - Indian Defence Network |language=en-US}}]
* P-72 Recon [Carbine](/source/Carbine) is a short, [gas piston-operated](/source/Gas-operated_reloading) weapon chambered for 7.62×39mm or [5.56×45mm](/source/5.56%C3%9745mm_NATO) cartridges.[{{Cite web |date=2025-03-16 |title=नेता के नाम पर बंदूक! भारत में बनी देसी M72 राइफल, खासियत ऐसी कि भूल जाएंगे AK-47 |url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zee-hindustan/national/manohar72-m72-carbine-a-desi-rifle-milestone-for-sss-defence-and-atmanirbhar-bharat/2682802 |access-date=2025-12-22 |website=Zee News Hindi |language=hi}}]
=== Facilities ===
SSS Defence is projected to become the second Indian company to operate a [small arms](/source/small_arms) manufacturing facility by the end of 2020.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/defence-expo-2020-this-startup-and-a-30-year-old-firm-have-one-thing-in-common|title=Defence Expo 2020: This Startup And A 30-Year-Old Firm Have One Thing In Common|last=Manghat|first=Sajeet|date=2020-02-08|website=[BloombergQuint](/source/BloombergQuint)|language=en|access-date=2020-02-08}}] This facility will eventually be capable of producing 80,000 arms per year, starting with an initial 15,000 per year.[{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/startup/defence-expo-2020-bengaluru-startup-builds-indias-first-indigenous-sniper-rifle-prototypes-5236551.htm|title=Defence Expo 2020: Bengaluru startup builds India's first indigenous sniper rifle prototypes|last=Vaishnav|first=Ajay|date=February 7, 2020|website=[CNBC TV18](/source/CNBC_TV18)|language=en-US|access-date=2020-02-08}}]
The firm has established a joint venture with [Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos](/source/Companhia_Brasileira_de_Cartuchos) for this purpose.[{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2019/jan/01/rs-1020-cr-arms--factory-to-come-up-in-anantapur-1919110.html|title=Rs 1,020 crore arms factory to come up in Anantapur|date=1 January 2019|website=[The New Indian Express](/source/The_New_Indian_Express)|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717073255/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2019/jan/01/rs-1020-cr-arms--factory-to-come-up-in-anantapur-1919110.html|archive-date=17 July 2019|access-date=9 February 2020}}] This facility will produce ammunition, including [12.7mm](/source/12.7_mm), [9mm](/source/9%C3%9719mm_Parabellum), 7.62×51mm, 7.62×39mm and [.338 Lapua Magnum](/source/.338_Lapua_Magnum).