In a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, a joint venture registered and located in India, has successfully produced and transferred 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Ministry of Defence. This milestone marks a pivotal step in the Indo-Russian defense collaboration, reinforcing the longstanding military-technical cooperation between the two nations.
The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited enterprise is owned by a consortium of entities: Advanced Weapons and Equipment India holds 42.5% ownership, Munitions India Limited holds 8%, Kalashnikov Concern holds 42%, and Rosoboronexport holds 7.5%. This partnership is emblematic of the deep-rooted defense ties between India and Russia.
The Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifle, chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge, is a modern variant of the renowned AK-200 series, tailored specifically for the Indian Army. Known for its reliability and ease of maintenance, the AK-203 retains the traditional advantages of Kalashnikov rifles, making it a robust addition to India’s small arms arsenal.
“Rostec produces a wide range of weapons that have proved to be effective in real combat conditions, including the latest small arms. Today, India is the first foreign customer to produce the ‘two hundredth’ series of Kalashnikov assault rifles. Production has been deployed in India in full compliance with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (Self-Reliant India) programs. The project includes technology transfer, and its concept includes 100% localization of AK-203 production. Such programs are one of the trends in the modern arms market and Russia’s competitive advantage as a reliable supplier of the best defense solutions,” stated Sergey Chemezov, Director General of Rostec.
The AK-203 rifles are manufactured in India using exclusive Russian technologies and certified equipment, ensuring high product quality and adherence to specified characteristics. The successful production and delivery underscore the effectiveness of the collaboration and the commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited joint venture, co-founded by ROSOBORONEXPORT on the Russian side, has completed the first phase of the project to produce AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles in India. To increase the degree of localization, all necessary equipment has been shipped to the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh state, and production facilities are now fully equipped. This made it possible to produce and deliver a batch of 35,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles to the Indian Army within the timeframe agreed with the Ministry of Defence of India. The Indo-Russian joint venture is a vivid example of fruitful cooperation between our countries in the defense sector.”
The successful transfer of these rifles marks the completion of the first phase of the project, with the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi now fully equipped for ongoing production. This project not only enhances India’s defense manufacturing capabilities but also strengthens the strategic partnership between India and Russia.
As the two countries continue to implement military-technical cooperation projects, the focus remains on maximizing technological interaction and ensuring high-quality defense solutions. The Indo-Russian collaboration on the AK-203 assault rifles exemplifies the successful merging of technological expertise and strategic objectives, paving the way for future endeavors in the defense sector.