India’s infantry arsenal is undergoing a transition that goes beyond replacing ageing rifles. The larger shift is from importing weapons and manufacturing foreign designs to creating small arms whose design and intellectual property are owned in India.The Indian Army’s modernisation has included the American SIG716 and the AK-203, with 601,427 AK-203 assault rifles contracted for production at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh through the Indo-Russian Rifles joint venture.&nbsp;But Vivek Krishnan, CEO of SSS Defence, argues that manufacturing sovereignty is not the same as design sovereignty. “Would the Americans or the Germans dictate the way that we fight our battles? I don't think the answer to that is yes,” Krishnan said.His argument assumes greater significance as battlefield technology evolves at extraordinary speed. Krishnan says access to designs and intellectual property determines whether a weapon can be rapidly modified as per operational requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;“In Ukraine, hardware is pretty much changing every two months,” he said, adding that without access to the designs and intellectual property, “evolution is a non-existent thing.” That challenge extends beyond the rifle.The proliferation of FPV drones has created new requirements at infantry level. SSS Defence has completed its first delivery of a counter-UAS shotgun to the Indian Army, developed for engaging fast-moving drones at close ranges.&nbsp;While SSS Defence publicly describes its wider focus as indigenous small arms and counter-UAS technology. Yet Krishnan rejects the idea that drones are making the infantry soldier less relevant.“The role of infantry, the role of foot soldiers, is not going to be changing,” he said. Territory still has to be captured and held. The difference is that tomorrow’s soldier could operate alongside drones, unmanned ground vehicles and increasingly sophisticated weapon systems.&nbsp;For India, the next step is therefore bigger than producing more weapons domestically. It is about controlling the technology behind them. SSS Defence says its current small-arms portfolio is designed and developed in-house.Krishnan believes sustained investment in research and development can dramatically shorten development cycles. After years of building indigenous design capability, he says new calibres or improved weapons could now be developed in three to six months rather than two or three years.India’s next small-arms revolution may ultimately be defined by who owns the design and how quickly it can evolve for the next war.

For India, the next step is therefore bigger than producing more weapons domestically. It is about controlling the technology behind them. India’s next small-arms revolution may ultimately be defined by who owns the design and how quickly it can evolve for the next war.

India’s infantry arsenal is undergoing a transition that goes beyond replacing ageing rifles. The larger shift is from importing weapons and manufacturing foreign designs to creating small arms whose design and intellectual property are owned in India. The Indian Army’s modernisation has included the American SIG716 and the AK-203, with 601,427 AK-203 assault rifles contracted for production at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh through the Indo-Russian Rifles joint venture. But Vivek Krishnan, CEO of SSS Defence, argues that manufacturing sovereignty is not the same as design sovereignty. “Would the Americans or the Germans dictate the way that we fight our battles? I don't think the answer to that is yes,” Krishnan said. His argument assumes greater significance as battlefield technology evolves at extraordinary speed. Krishnan says access to designs and intellectual property determines whether a weapon can be rapidly modified as per operational requirements.

For India, the next step is therefore bigger than producing more weapons domestically. It is about controlling the technology behind them. India’s next small-arms revolution may ultimately be defined by who owns the design and how quickly it can evolve for the next war.

Beyond the AK-203, Vivek Krishnan on building the Indian soldier’s next weapon

The AK-203 belongs to the newer 200-series of the Kalashnikov platform. It combines the traditional strengths of the AK design, durability, ease of use and functioning in harsh environments, with modern features such as improved ergonomics, accessory compatibility and better accuracy.

The AK-203 belongs to the newer 200-series of the Kalashnikov platform. It combines the traditional strengths of the AK design, durability, ease of use and functioning in harsh environments, with modern features such as improved ergonomics, accessory compatibility and better accuracy.

What is AK-203 rifle that India & Russia are building together?

In a major boost to the Army firepower, India is set to receive 7000 more AK-203 rifles in the next 2-3 weeks, according to the sources. These rifles are part of a large deal being made in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, under a joint project between India and Russia. In the last 18 months, 48000 rifles have already been delivered. Another 1 lakh unit of rifles are expected to be delivered by 2026. The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), said that it is on schedule to deliver the units by the date mentioned. At present, half of the rifle parts are made in India but according to some sources, full local production (100% indigenisation) is expected by the end of this year. The Indian Army is replacing the old INSAS rifles with the newer AK-203 assault rifles. Once fully indigenized (process of bringing something under the control), the Amethi factory will be going to make 12000 rifles every month — one rifle every 100 seconds.&nbsp;Also Check - From Russia's S-400 Triumph to America's THAAD: Top 6 air defense systems in the world&nbsp;The full order is for 6.01 lakh rifles and it is expected to be complete by December 2030, nearly two years ahead of the original deadline (2032).&nbsp;AK-203 assault rifles delivery details:<ul><li>Already delivered - 48000 rifles(July 17, 2025)</li><li>Total order of AK-203 assault rifles - 601427 rifles</li><li>Final delivery deadline - December 2030</li></ul>Importance of the AK-203 rifle&nbsp;The AK-203 rifle is a modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle. It is famous for its high accuracy, smooth handling and greater flexibility. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.Specifications:<ul><li>Fire rate: 700 rounds per minute</li><li>Range: Up to 800 meters &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</li></ul>Indo-Russian deal&nbsp;India signed a big assault deal with Russia in July 2021 to produce over six lakh AK-203 rifles at a cost of ₹5,000 crore. This rifle manufacturing unit has been speeded up due to rising tensions at the China border and continuous security concerns from the Pakistan side.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several countries in Africa and the Middle East have also shown interest in buying the AK-203 rifles.

The AK-203 rifle is a modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle. It is famous for its high accuracy, smooth handling and greater flexibility. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.

In a major boost to the Army firepower, India is set to receive 7000 more AK-203 rifles in the next 2-3 weeks, according to the sources. These rifles are part of a large deal being made in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, under a joint project between India and Russia. In the last 18 months, 48000 rifles have already been delivered. Another 1 lakh unit of rifles are expected to be delivered by 2026. The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), said that it is on schedule to deliver the units by the date mentioned. At present, half of the rifle parts are made in India but according to some sources, full local production (100% indigenisation) is expected by the end of this year. The Indian Army is replacing the old INSAS rifles with the newer AK-203 assault rifles. Once fully indigenized (process of bringing something under the control), the Amethi factory will be going to make 12000 rifles every month — one rifle every 100 seconds. Also Check - From Russia's S-400 Triumph to America's THAAD: Top 6 air defense systems in the world The full order is for 6.01 lakh rifles and it is expected to be complete by December 2030, nearly two years ahead of the original deadline (2032). AK-203 assault rifles delivery details: Already delivered - 48000 rifles(July 17, 2025) Total order of AK-203 assault rifles - 601427 rifles Final delivery deadline - December 2030 Importance of the AK-203 rifle The AK-203 rifle is a modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle. It is famous for its high accuracy, smooth handling and greater flexibility. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare. Specifications: Fire rate: 700 rounds per minute Range: Up to 800 meters Indo-Russian deal India signed a big assault deal with Russia in July 2021 to produce over six lakh AK-203 rifles at a cost of ₹5,000 crore. This rifle manufacturing unit has been speeded up due to rising tensions at the China border and continuous security concerns from the Pakistan side. Several countries in Africa and the Middle East have also shown interest in buying the AK-203 rifles.

The AK-203 rifle is a modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle. It is famous for its high accuracy, smooth handling and greater flexibility. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.

Indian Army set to receive THIS number of AK-203 rifles soon - Check details