Meet NSG Commandos Who Won Sniper Rifle Competition

The National Security Guard (NSG), popularly known as the “Black Cats,” emerged as champions in the sniper category of the 15th All India Police Commando Competition (AIPCC), held from February 10 to 22, 2025, under the aegis of the All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB).

The event, hosted at the CRPF Group Centre, showcased the elite skills, precision, and unwavering determination of the NSG, solidifying their reputation as India’s “Zero Error Force.”

The NSG snipers outperformed their counterparts, including teams using the American Barrett 50 Cal rifle, by leveraging the indigenously developed .338 Saber sniper rifle, manufactured by SSS Defence.

This victory marks a significant milestone for India’s defense industry, highlighting the rifle’s world-class performance and its growing global recognition. Earlier this year, the .338 Saber secured an export order to a foreign country, underscoring India’s advancements in indigenous weaponry.

The competition, a prestigious platform for police and paramilitary forces across India, featured rigorous tests of marksmanship, tactical skills, and operational readiness. The NSG’s triumph is a testament to their specialized training in counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, close-quarter battles, and advanced sniping techniques, as outlined in their rigorous training programs established since the force’s inception in 1984.

NSG Director General in a statement, praised the team’s dedication and the role of indigenous technology in enhancing national security capabilities. “This achievement reflects the NSG’s commitment to excellence” he said.

The .338 Saber rifle, known for its accuracy and range exceeding 1 km, is also under consideration for procurement by the Indian Army, which released a Request for Information (RFI) in June 2022 for 4,800 such rifles under the “Buy Indian” category. This follows the Army’s gradual phasing out of older sniper systems like the Soviet-era Dragunov in favor of modern, high-precision indigenous alternatives.

The NSG’s victory not only upholds their legacy as an elite counter-terrorism unit but also positions India as a rising player in the global defense manufacturing landscape, combining cutting-edge technology with the unmatched skill of its security forces.