SOURCE: AFI
India’s “Make in India” initiative is set to reach a new milestone with the announcement of a joint venture between India and Russia to fully localize the production of the AK-203 assault rifles in India. This collaboration aims to ensure that by December 2025, the Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles will be assembled entirely from locally produced components, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The joint venture between India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern under the umbrella of Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) will see the production of AK-203 rifles become fully localized. This means that every component of the rifle will be manufactured in India, utilizing local materials, expertise, and labor. The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a hub for defense manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign imports.
The AK-203 is the latest iteration of the renowned Kalashnikov series, offering enhanced accuracy, reliability, and ergonomics. It is designed to replace the aging INSAS rifles currently in service with the Indian armed forces, providing a modern and highly effective weapon for India’s military and paramilitary forces.
The transition to 100% localization of the AK-203 production is set to be completed by December 2025. Initially, the production of the rifles began with a significant portion of components sourced from Russia, but the plan is to gradually increase the indigenization levels. By the end of 2025, all components, including critical parts such as barrels, receivers, and magazines, will be produced domestically.
The production facility in Korwa, Uttar Pradesh, is already operational and is expected to manufacture over 600,000 AK-203 rifles for the Indian armed forces and other law enforcement agencies. The rifles produced will meet the stringent quality standards set by both the Indian and Russian defense ministries, ensuring they are robust, reliable, and capable of performing in diverse and challenging environments.