During DefExpo 2018, the defense exhibition that took place at Chennai this month, companies from India signed joint ventures with foreign arms manufacturers to make some of their products in India.
Utah-headquartered Desert Tech partnered with Nagpur, India-based Neco Group. The joint venture Neco Desert Tech Defense, will make rifles that are used by special forces of Czech Republic, UAE, Lithuania, Thailand and a few other countries. Anand Jayaswal, managing director, Neco Desert Tech Defense said, “The company will start production of assault rifles in the next few months.”
Illinois’ Lewis Machine & Tool Company signed a joint venture with Bangalore-based Stumpp Schuele & Somappa (SSS) to manufacture rifles. SSS also partnered with CBC of Brazil, that has expertise in the production of small and medium calibers. Satish Machani, managing director of SSS said that the ammunition will be exported to Middle East and South East Asia.
The Israel Weapon Industries and Gurgaon-based Punj Lloyd partnership manufactures carbines, assault rifles, sniper rifles, and light machine guns.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
