India and Russia Joint Venture starts production of Kalashnikov AK-203

The Indo-Russian joint venture for the manufacturing of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles is a testament to the strong partnership relations between the two countries. The move to manufacture these rifles in India through a joint venture not only lends greater firepower to the Indian armed forces but also serves as a significant step in strengthening military-technical cooperation between the two nations.

Production and Distribution

The Kalashnikov AK-203 is now being produced in India through a joint venture between Russia’s Rosoboronexport and India’s government-owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) under the brand name “Kalashnikov India” in Korwa, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The facility has the capacity to produce 750,000 rifles per year

Made in India Initiative

The joint venture, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, plans to ensure 100% localisation of the production of AK-203 rifles in India, in line with the government of India’s ‘Made in India’ initiative. The facility will not only be able to fully equip the personnel of other law enforcement agencies in India with AK-203 assault rifles but also has plans to export its products to third countries, thereby promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative on a global scale.

What is Kalashnikov AK-203 Assault Rifle?

The Kalashnikov AK-203 is a type of assault rifle that is designed and manufactured by the Kalashnikov Concern, a subsidiary of the Russian Rostec State Corporation. The AK-203 is part of the AK-200 series of rifles, which are based on the traditional AK-47 design but feature modernized and updated components.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2023

Category: Defence Current Affairs