India is making significant strides towards achieving defense self-reliance, highlighted by the ongoing large-scale production of the AK-203 assault rifle at the Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd (IRRPL) facility located in Korwa, Amethi. Recent visits to the state-of-the-art facility by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, showcased the progress of this ambitious project.
The AK-203 rifle, a modern upgrade to the legendary Kalashnikov design, is being manufactured locally as part of an Inter-Governmental Agreement established between India and Russia in 2019. This weapon, affectionately referred to as “Sher” (Lion) by Indian forces, is set to bolster frontline units stationed along both the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
To date, the Indian Army has received 48,000 units of the rifle, with an additional 70,000 expected to be delivered within the upcoming six months. These deliveries are part of a substantial ₹5,200 crore contract aimed at producing a total of 601,427 rifles. The goal for full indigenous production is set for December 2025, which is nearly two years ahead of the initially planned deadline of 2030.
This collaboration is a key aspect of India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives, marrying Russian technical expertise with domestic manufacturing capabilities. Anticipation is building that by mid-2025, the project will achieve 50% indigenization, with plans for further localization already in motion. This joint venture, in partnership with Kalashnikov Concern, aims to reduce India’s reliance on foreign arms imports, aligning with the Defence Acquisition Council’s initiative to limit the importation of 101 military items as announced in 2020.
The AK-203 rifle, which is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge, is designed to deliver enhanced firepower, reliability, and versatility for high-altitude combat and counter-insurgency missions. The IRRPL facility is projected to achieve an annual production capacity of 150,000 rifles, significantly contributing to India’s long-term target of supplying 600,000 units by 2030.
India’s current endeavors reflect a broader global trend towards defense industrialization. Transitioning from a model of importing 70,000 AK-203s to establishing a robust domestic production framework is a striking transformation documented in data covering 2021 to 2024.
Quality control and extensive testing processes at the Amethi facility ensure that each rifle adheres to stringent military standards. With ongoing discussions about potential exports to allied nations, India is positioning itself as a future player in the global defense market.
The AK-203 project is emblematic of India’s ambition for defense independence, showcasing the success of Indo-Russian defense collaboration while simultaneously strengthening domestic capabilities in a strategically critical region.
