AK-203 Rifle
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) has planned to supply all 6.01 lakh units of AK-203 Assault Rifle built in Korwa, Uttar Pradesh about 22 months before the scheduled time. On Thursday, a senior official gave this information.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of IRRPL Major General SK Sharma said that the supply of these rifles has been set to be completed by December 2030. The company has to supply 6,01,427 rifles of the AK-203 series to the Indian armed forces by October 2032 under a contract of Rs 5,200 crore.
Sharma said, so far about 48,000 rifles have been supplied. 7,000 additional rifles will also be handed over 7,000 in the next two-three weeks and 15,000 by December.
It is being ready in this city of UP
Sharma said that the factory located in Korwa, Amethi will produce 12,000 rifles every month from the year 2026, so that the supply target can be met ahead of time. The modern rifle AK-203 of the Kalashnikov series will be used as the main weapon for military forces deployed in sensitive areas such as the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Real Control (LAC).
India-Russia prepared a rifle together
IRRPL has been formed under an inter-governmental agreement between India and Russia. India holds 50.5 percent stake in this joint venture while 49.5 percent stake in Russia. This venture, operated on the premises of about 8.5 acres, currently employs more than 260 employees, including permanent Russian experts. Later, this number will be increased to 537, of which 90 percent of the employees will be local.
1.50 lakh rifle will be made every year
IRRPL has achieved 50 percent indigenization so far and is planned to give the first full indigenous AK-203 rifle by December. After this, the annual production capacity will be increased to 1.5 lakh rifles. Sharma said that 100 percent technology has been transferred from Russia and all tests are now being done in India.
He said that after meeting the domestic demand, the decision will also be taken towards exporting AK-203 rifle to the Allied countries. The first export order is expected to be received soon. IRRPL was formed in 2019 as a joint venture between Russian partners Rosoboronaxport and Consorn Kalashanikov and Indian partner Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munisans India Limited (MIL).