Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta Inspects Progress of AK-203 Rifle Production at Indo-Russian Facility in Amethi
India is making significant strides toward defense self-sufficiency with the mass production of the AK-203 assault rifle at the Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd (IRRPL) facility situated in Korwa, Amethi. On Friday, the progress of the project was assessed by Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Central Command, during his visit to the advanced manufacturing site.
The AK-203 rifle, an upgraded variant of the renowned Kalashnikov, is being produced domestically through a 2019 Inter-Governmental Agreement between India and Russia. The weapon, termed “Sher” (Lion) by Indian forces, is being integrated into front-line units stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
To date, 48,000 rifles have been supplied to the Indian Army, with an additional 70,000 units anticipated within the next six months. This is part of a ₹5,200 crore contract for a total production of 601,427 rifles. The initiative aims to achieve complete indigenous production by December 2025, which is nearly two years ahead of the initially planned deadline of 2030.
This collaboration combines Russian expertise with India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” campaigns. By mid-2025, the project had accomplished 50% indigenization with further localization ongoing. The partnership with Kalashnikov Concern is diminishing India’s reliance on arms imports, in line with the Defence Acquisition Council’s 2020 decision to ban the import of 101 military items.
The AK-203, designed for the 7.62×39mm cartridge, offers improved firepower, reliability, and versatility for both high-altitude warfare and counter-insurgency operations. The IRRPL facility is poised to achieve an annual production capacity of 150,000 rifles, contributing substantially to India’s overarching goal of delivering 600,000 units by 2030.
India’s initiative reflects a global movement towards defense industrialization. From 2021 to 2024, data shows a transition from importing 70,000 AK-203s to setting up full-scale domestic production.
Stringent quality control and testing at the Amethi facility ensure that the rifles adhere to military standards. Discussions are also in progress regarding potential exports to allied countries, positioning India as a prospective global defense supplier.
The AK-203 project signifies a substantial advancement in India’s pursuit of defense autonomy, showcasing both the success of Indo-Russian defense collaboration and the enhancement of indigenous capabilities in a strategically crucial region.
