India-Russia JV Completes AK-203 Rifle Production Phase

July 6, 2024

After working together for a while, India and Russia have finished the first part of their joint venture to make AK-203 assault rifles. As part of the larger “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharaj Shakti Bharat” campaigns, this project shows a big step forward in India’s ability to make defense products using technology and industry.

Recent Developments

Alexander Mikheev, who is in charge of Rosoboronexport, said that the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, now has all the technology it needs to start making a lot of things. Following the delivery of the first 35,000 rifles to the Indian Army, in line with agreed-upon schedules and contractual responsibilities, this is a major development.

Production and Localisation Efforts

The company behind this project, Indo-Russian Firearms Private Limited, reached a major milestone by making the first 5,000 AK-203 firearms by January of the previous year. Now that the factory in Amethi is ready to meet the demand for over 600,000 weapons for the Indian Armed Forces, it can make more. There are also plans for future exports that will fit with India’s long-term goals.

Technical Aspects and Army Testing

This is a newer version of the AK-200 series. The AK-203 can hold the 7.62x39mm cartridge, which is common in the Indian Army. The army has put it through a lot of tests and has chosen it to meet an urgent tactical need. Before they were made in the United States, 70,000 guns had to be quickly bought from Russia.

Contractual and Financial Details

The project is supported by a deal between the governments of India and Russia worth ₹5,124 crore. This agreement includes full technology transfer and production rights. This means that the rifles can be made entirely in India, which is good for the country’s defense manufacturing business.

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