In February 2025, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a Joint Venture (JV) between India and Russia, delivered 40,000 Avtomat Kalashnikova (AK)-203 assault rifles to the Indian Army (IA).
- These rifles were produced at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
- The rifles are being produced with complete technology transfer from Russia, with the goal of achieving 100% localization in India.
- It aligns with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, focusing on achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Background:
i.In July 2021, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI) and Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu signed a contract valued at Rs 5,124 crore.
ii.It involves a JV between IRRPL and Rosoboronexport (RoE) for the production of more than 6.1 lakh 7.63×39 millimeter (mm) AK-203 rifles in India, with technology transfer from Russia.
Note: On January 25, 2022, the first batch of 70,000 AK-203 rifles was delivered to IA. An additional batch of 35,000 AK-203 rifles was delivered between May and July 2024.
Features of AK-203 Assault Rifle:
i.AK-203 assault rifles will replace India’s indigenously developed Indian Small Arms Systems (INSAS) rifles, which have been in service with IA for over three decades, and AK-47 rifles.
ii.It is chambered in 7.62x39mm ammunition, delivering superior stopping power compared to the 5.56mm INSAS rifle.
iii.It weighs 3.8 kilogram (kg) and measures 690 mm in length with the stock folded, or 930 mm with the stock extended. Its rate of fire is 700 rounds per minute (RPM).
iv.It offers troops superior accuracy, ease of maintenance, lightweight design, and compatibility with advanced optics and accessories, greatly enhancing their operational readiness.
About IRRPL:
Founded in 2019, IRRPL is a joint venture between India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), now Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) (42.5%), Munitions India Limited (MIL) (8%), and Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern (42%) and Rosoboronexport (RoE) (7.5%).
About Indian Army (IA):
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) – General Upendra Dwivedi
Headquarters – New Delhi (Delhi)
Established – 1895
