Make, Amethi -built AK -203 Rifles in India: Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is scheduled to complete the delivery of all 6.01 lakh rifles. According to PTI, under a contract of Rs 5,200 crore, the company made it mandatory to supply 6,01,427 rifles to the armed forces by October 2032. However, the company plans to complete delivery by December 2030.
Recently, IRRPL CEO and Managing Director Major General Ske Sharma said the company has so far distributed around 48,000 rifles. He said that IRRPL would hand over one and 7000 additional in the next 2-3 weeks and 15,000 by December this year.
What are the AK-203 rifles?
The AK-203 is a modern version of the Kalashnikov series. It will become a primary assault rifle for troops deployed with northern and western borders, including the Line of Control (LOC) and real control (LAC). According to the report, each rifle undergoes 120 processes and includes about 50 components and 180 sub-divisions. Weapon’s life is 15,000 rounds.
“Every material is now an alternative source in India,” Sharma said, quality control in the plant is being developed in one of the best in the country, PTI reports.
AK-203 rifles to replace INSAS
The AK-203 rifle aims to change INSAS in service. Initially, 70,000 rifles were imported to meet immediate requirements before production on full scale. However, now IRRPL has planned to increase production up to 1.5 lakh rifles annually.
About IRRPL
IRRPL is located in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. It operates with an 8.5 acre facility and appoints more than 260 personnel including permanent Russian experts. It was included in 2019 under an inter-governmental agreement for the construction of AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Armed Forces. It brings together Russian partners Rosoboronaxport and Kalashonikov with Indian shareholders, advanced weapons and equipment India Limited (Aweil) and Munishan India Limited (MIL).
(With input from PTI)
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