India-Russia Summit Sees Delivery of 35,000 ‘Made in India’ AK-203 Rifles to Indian Army

News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/ 5th July 2024

In anticipation of the 22nd India-Russia summit, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) has successfully produced and handed over 35,000 “made in India” Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Army. This significant transfer was announced by the Russian side and underscores the deepening defense cooperation between the two nations, with a particular emphasis on India’s “Make in India” initiative in the defense sector.

The Kalashnikov AK-203, a modernized version of the AK-200 series, is chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge and is designed to enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Army. This milestone is part of a broader effort to localize defense production under India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (Self-Reliant India) program.

IRRPL is a joint venture between India’s Ordnance Factory Board and two Russian entities, ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC and the Kalashnikov Group, both subsidiaries of Rostec State Corporation. Rostec is a major supplier of armaments and military equipment in Russia. The collaboration aims to establish full-scale production of the Kalashnikov rifles in India, fully aligned with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan programs.

Sergey Chemezov, Director General of Rostec, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “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 programs.”

The rifles were manufactured at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, which has been outfitted with the necessary machinery to ensure the timely production and delivery of the rifles. This facility represents a crucial step in enhancing India’s self-reliance in defense production.

Alexander Mikheev, Director General of ROSOBORONEXPORT, highlighted the project’s success, noting, “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.” Mikheev also praised the joint venture as a “vivid example of fruitful cooperation between our countries in the defense sector.”

In addition to the rifle production, Rostec has announced the manufacturing of “Mango shells” in India. These 125mm rounds, designed to penetrate armored vehicles with composite armor, can be fired from T-72 and T-90 main battle tanks (MBTs). This project is also part of the Make in India program, further solidifying the defense ties between India and Russia.

Defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of Indo-Russian relations, with numerous collaborative projects over the past several years. These include the procurement and licensed production of advanced military hardware such as S-400 missile systems, T-90 tanks, Su-30 MKI fighters, MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, and the BrahMos missile system. The production of AK-203 rifles in India is yet another testament to this enduring partnership.

Ahead of the summit, Russia also approved the India-Russia logistics pact, which aims to enhance military interoperability between the two nations. This pact is expected to facilitate smoother and more efficient cooperation in joint military operations and logistics support.

The ongoing and expanding defense cooperation between India and Russia highlights the strategic importance of their relationship and the mutual benefits derived from such partnerships. As the two countries continue to collaborate on defense projects, they bolster their respective military capabilities and strengthen their geopolitical ties.