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?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday (Sep 25) that India will soon start the production of AK-203 rifles in Uttar Pradesh in partnership with Russia. He also highlighted that India is accelerating its march toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing as it is undergoing a transformative shift.&nbsp;"Our defence forces want 'swadeshi', they want to decrease the dependence on other countries. We are developing a vibrant defence sector in India. We are building such ecosystem where every part of our weapons has 'Made in India' inscribed on them. Uttar Pradesh is playing a big role in this," PM Modi said after inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025 in Greater Noida on September 25.&nbsp;"Soon, production of AK-203 rifle will begin from a factory set up with Russia's help. A defence corridor is also being set up in Uttar Pradesh. Production of several weapons, including BrahMos missiles, has already started," the Prime Minister added.<h3>What is the AK-203 rifle?</h3>The AK-203 is a made-in-India modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle, which is designed to replace the INSAS rifle and enhance the Indian armed forces' firepower. It is also known as the 'Sher' in India, which is an Indo-Russian joint project featuring improved ergonomics, accuracy, and the ability to mount modern optics.&nbsp;The rifle is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and features the legendary durability of the AK platform with advanced upgrades to dominate modern combat environments. The rifle has versatile firing modes and switches between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting.&nbsp;It can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres and boasts a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.<h3>Specifications:</h3>Fire rate: 700 rounds per minuteRange: Up to 800 meters<h3>Indo-Russian deal in AK-203 rifle</h3>India signed a big assault rifle deal with Russia in July 2021 to produce over six lakh AK-203 rifles for Rs 5,000 crore. The manufacturing unit of this rifle has been sped 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.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-to-get-100-indeginised-ak-203-rifle-called-sher-here-s-all-about-it-1752919410555">Indian Army to get 100% indeginised AK-203 rifle called 'Sher'. Here's all about it</a>

AK-203 rifles can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres and boast a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday (Sep 25) that India will soon start the production of AK-203 rifles in Uttar Pradesh in partnership with Russia. He also highlighted that India is accelerating its march toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing as it is undergoing a transformative shift. "Our defence forces want 'swadeshi', they want to decrease the dependence on other countries. We are developing a vibrant defence sector in India. We are building such ecosystem where every part of our weapons has 'Made in India' inscribed on them. Uttar Pradesh is playing a big role in this," PM Modi said after inaugurating the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025 in Greater Noida on September 25. "Soon, production of AK-203 rifle will begin from a factory set up with Russia's help. A defence corridor is also being set up in Uttar Pradesh. Production of several weapons, including BrahMos missiles, has already started," the Prime Minister added. What is the AK-203 rifle? The AK-203 is a made-in-India modern and upgraded version of the famous Kalashnikov rifle, which is designed to replace the INSAS rifle and enhance the Indian armed forces' firepower. It is also known as the 'Sher' in India, which is an Indo-Russian joint project featuring improved ergonomics, accuracy, and the ability to mount modern optics. The rifle is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and features the legendary durability of the AK platform with advanced upgrades to dominate modern combat environments. The rifle has versatile firing modes and switches between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting. It can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres and boasts a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg. 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 in AK-203 rifle India signed a big assault rifle deal with Russia in July 2021 to produce over six lakh AK-203 rifles for Rs 5,000 crore. The manufacturing unit of this rifle has been sped 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. Also read: Indian Army to get 100% indeginised AK-203 rifle called 'Sher'. Here's all about it

AK-203 rifles can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres and boast a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg. It is useful in both anti-terror operations and high-altitude warfare.

What is the AK-203 rifle? India set to manufacture it with Russian collaboration

Acting on precise intelligence, forces recovered the bodies along with a cache of weapons and materials, including a Soviet-designed AK-47 rifle, a US-made carbine, seventeen rifle grenades and other assorted supplies. 

Operation Mahadev: What are the Soviet-made AK-47 rifles recovered from Pakistani terrorists neutralised by the Indian Army?

The AK-203 rifles, which are under production at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) facility in India's Uttar Pradesh, are all set to be 100 per cent indigenous by the end of this year. The Indian Army has previously received 48,000 units of the rifles and an additional set of 7,000 units is likely to be received by August 15. After receiving all the due deliveries, the Army will have a total of 70,000 AK-203 rifles in its arsenal by the end of 2025.At present, the rifles produced at the IRRPL Amethi facility are 50% indigenous. The transfer of technology was completed in 2024.&nbsp;“The contract signed between IRRPL and the Ministry of Defence mandates the production of 6,01,427 AK-203 assault rifles over 10 years. The first two years were dedicated to technology absorption. After 2025, we expect to produce 70,000 rifles annually," Maj Gen SK Sharma, CMD, IRRPL, told News 18.&nbsp;The amazing features&nbsp;The rifle is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and features the legendary durability of the AK platform with advanced upgrades to dominate modern combat environments. The rifle has versatile firing modes and switches between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting. &nbsp;&nbsp;The AK-203 can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres. It boasts a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg.&nbsp;“We are committed to completing deliveries by 2032, but I am confident we will achieve this by 2030. Several other services and forces have approached us for these rifles, and we have received requests from multiple countries. We will evaluate these requests and plan to supply rifles to nations friendly to both Russia and India," Sharma added.&nbsp;

The rifle has versatile firing modes and switches between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting.  

The AK-203 rifles, which are under production at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) facility in India's Uttar Pradesh, are all set to be 100 per cent indigenous by the end of this year. The Indian Army has previously received 48,000 units of the rifles and an additional set of 7,000 units is likely to be received by August 15. After receiving all the due deliveries, the Army will have a total of 70,000 AK-203 rifles in its arsenal by the end of 2025. At present, the rifles produced at the IRRPL Amethi facility are 50% indigenous. The transfer of technology was completed in 2024. “The contract signed between IRRPL and the Ministry of Defence mandates the production of 6,01,427 AK-203 assault rifles over 10 years. The first two years were dedicated to technology absorption. After 2025, we expect to produce 70,000 rifles annually," Maj Gen SK Sharma, CMD, IRRPL, told News 18. The amazing features The rifle is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and features the legendary durability of the AK platform with advanced upgrades to dominate modern combat environments. The rifle has versatile firing modes and switches between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting. The AK-203 can target up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres. It boasts a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg. “We are committed to completing deliveries by 2032, but I am confident we will achieve this by 2030. Several other services and forces have approached us for these rifles, and we have received requests from multiple countries. We will evaluate these requests and plan to supply rifles to nations friendly to both Russia and India," Sharma added.

The rifle has versatile firing modes and switches between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting. &nbsp;

Indian Army to get 100% indeginised AK-203 rifle called 'Sher'. Here's all about it

Russia has delivered to India all the contracted 70,000 AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles as envisaged under a contract signed late last summer between India and Kalashnikov.

The entire delivery was made earlier this week. A source explained, "delivery was fast tracked," pointing to the short time gap between the signing of the contract and its fructification.

The Indian Ministry of Defence intends to procure 670,000 AK-203 assault rifles, and the 70,000 delivered are part of that total.

The rest of the 600,000 will be manufactured in India's Amethi under a joint venture, the contract for which was signed on December 6, 2021.

The day saw the first India-Russia 2+2 meeting at the level of foreign and defence ministers, as well as Russian President Putin's visit to the annual summit in Delhi.

The total cost of the contract is around Rs 50 billion.

As part of India's localisation of defence manufacturing, a special purpose joint venture called Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL) has been created for the production of 600,000 AK-203 in India. The Joint Venture is between India, represented by the Defence PSUs-Advanced Weapons &amp; Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) &amp; Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Russia, represented by Rosoboronexport (RoE) &amp; Concern Kalashnikov (CK).

The 7.62 x 39mm calibre AK-203 rifles will replace the in-service INSAS rifles that were inducted over three decades ago. The AK-203 assault rifles have an effective range of 800 meters, are light in weight, and are seen as being as easy to use as modern assault rifles.

Russia has delivered to India all the contracted 70,000 AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles as envisaged under a contract signed late last summer between India and Kalashnikov.

Russia has delivered to India all the contracted 70,000 AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles as envisaged under a contract signed late last summer between India and Kalashnikov. The entire delivery was made earlier this week. A source explained, "delivery was fast tracked," pointing to the short time gap between the signing of the contract and its fructification. The Indian Ministry of Defence intends to procure 670,000 AK-203 assault rifles, and the 70,000 delivered are part of that total. The rest of the 600,000 will be manufactured in India's Amethi under a joint venture, the contract for which was signed on December 6, 2021. The day saw the first India-Russia 2+2 meeting at the level of foreign and defence ministers, as well as Russian President Putin's visit to the annual summit in Delhi. The total cost of the contract is around Rs 50 billion. As part of India's localisation of defence manufacturing, a special purpose joint venture called Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL) has been created for the production of 600,000 AK-203 in India. The Joint Venture is between India, represented by the Defence PSUs-Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) & Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Russia, represented by Rosoboronexport (RoE) & Concern Kalashnikov (CK). The 7.62 x 39mm calibre AK-203 rifles will replace the in-service INSAS rifles that were inducted over three decades ago. The AK-203 assault rifles have an effective range of 800 meters, are light in weight, and are seen as being as easy to use as modern assault rifles.

Russia delivers all the contracted 70,000 AK-203 to India

Russia's Rosoboronexport, the state agency for exports and imports of defence products, is ready to train Indian specialists for the AK-203 Kalashnikov project in Amethi, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

India and Russia in 2019 signed an intergovernmental agreement for setting up Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited — a joint venture to manufacture the AK-203 assault rifles. The project will see a production of Russia's iconic assault rifles being produced in India with 100% localisation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-russia-to-fast-track-ka-226t-chopper-and-ak203-rifle-production-india-to-receive-helicopter-technology-308854">Also read | India, Russia to fast track Ka-226T chopper and AK203 rifle production; India to receive helicopter technology</a>

A contract has been agreed on the India-Russia joint venture and is currently awaiting signature from the Indian defence ministry. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-taliban-takes-over-some-swap-iconic-ak-47s-for-made-in-america-rifles-406317">Also read | As Taliban takes over, some swap iconic AK-47s for made-in-America rifles</a>

Rosoboronexport spokesperson said, "We’re ready to start work on the supply of equipment, training of Indian specialists and commissioning at the factory in Amethi immediately after the conclusion of the contract."

The project was announced by Indian PM Modi and the Russian President in 2019 and aims to produce huge numbers&nbsp;of these rifles that will ultimately become part of the Indian security forces' essentials. The joint programme also opens the possibility of rifles being exported to other countries. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ak-203-is-latest-derivative-of-legendary-ak-47-rifle-201041">Also read | AK-203 is latest derivative of legendary AK-47 rifle</a> 
 
The AK-203 is the advanced version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle family, the first of which was the legendary AK-47. The AK-203 can be equipped with accessories like sights and flashlights and has been successfully tested under extreme heat and cold conditions.

The spokesperson explained, "the historical uniqueness of the AK-203 production project in India is that our Indian partners will manufacture the AK-203 independently, using Indian materials and Indian equipment".

It is learnt that India will receive 100% of technology for the production of the rifles, with the project being a Make in India project. The cost of the assault rifle will depend on production in India.

The AK-200 series assault rifles were showcased at the Army-2021 International Military-Technical Forum in Russia earlier this year, and expectedly aroused great interest among potential customers from different regions of the world. Rosoboronexport has already signed contracts for the supply of the latest AK-200 series assault rifles.

Russia's Rosoboronexport, the state agency for exports and imports of defence products, is ready to train Indian specialists for the AK-203 Kalashnikov project in Amethi, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Russia's Rosoboronexport, the state agency for exports and imports of defence products, is ready to train Indian specialists for the AK-203 Kalashnikov project in Amethi, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. India and Russia in 2019 signed an intergovernmental agreement for setting up Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited — a joint venture to manufacture the AK-203 assault rifles. The project will see a production of Russia's iconic assault rifles being produced in India with 100% localisation. Also read | India, Russia to fast track Ka-226T chopper and AK203 rifle production; India to receive helicopter technology A contract has been agreed on the India-Russia joint venture and is currently awaiting signature from the Indian defence ministry. Also read | As Taliban takes over, some swap iconic AK-47s for made-in-America rifles Rosoboronexport spokesperson said, "We’re ready to start work on the supply of equipment, training of Indian specialists and commissioning at the factory in Amethi immediately after the conclusion of the contract." The project was announced by Indian PM Modi and the Russian President in 2019 and aims to produce huge numbers of these rifles that will ultimately become part of the Indian security forces' essentials. The joint programme also opens the possibility of rifles being exported to other countries. Also read | AK-203 is latest derivative of legendary AK-47 rifle The AK-203 is the advanced version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle family, the first of which was the legendary AK-47. The AK-203 can be equipped with accessories like sights and flashlights and has been successfully tested under extreme heat and cold conditions. The spokesperson explained, "the historical uniqueness of the AK-203 production project in India is that our Indian partners will manufacture the AK-203 independently, using Indian materials and Indian equipment". It is learnt that India will receive 100% of technology for the production of the rifles, with the project being a Make in India project. The cost of the assault rifle will depend on production in India. The AK-200 series assault rifles were showcased at the Army-2021 International Military-Technical Forum in Russia earlier this year, and expectedly aroused great interest among potential customers from different regions of the world. Rosoboronexport has already signed contracts for the supply of the latest AK-200 series assault rifles.

'Made in Amethi' Kalashnikovs: Russia says ready to train Indian specialist for AK-203 project

At a time when tensions with Pakistan are heightened, the Defence Ministry is likely to consider a proposal to buy 10 lakh multi-mode hand grenades for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' project in the military sector.

''A proposal for buying 10 lakh hand grenades from an Indian firm would be considered by the Defence Ministry at a high-level meeting to be chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman this week,'' government sources told ANI.

The more than Rs 500 crore proposal is critical as the government has already taken care of the main personal weapon requirements of the Army soldiers by signing two contracts for modern rifles.

In the first case, a contract worth over Rs 700 crore for around 75,000 Sig Sauer assault rifles from an American firm has been signed while a joint venture has been formed with Russia to manufacture 7.5 lakh modern AK-203 assault rifles.

The project for acquiring new hand grenades is required for the replacement of the existing HE-36 grenades manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board.&nbsp;

The multi-mode grenades have been developed by the DRDO and a production agency has been selected to manufacture them in large numbers.&nbsp;

Hand grenades are among the few critical weapons that soldiers need in the time of war as they can be used to cause heavy&nbsp; 
damage to enemy positions or bunkers apart from taking out their soldiers.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been heightened after the Pulwama attack on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

India avenged the attack by striking the Balakot terrorist training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

At a time when tensions with Pakistan are heightened, the Defence Ministry is likely to consider a proposal to buy 10 lakh multi-mode hand grenades for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' project in the military sector.

At a time when tensions with Pakistan are heightened, the Defence Ministry is likely to consider a proposal to buy 10 lakh multi-mode hand grenades for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' project in the military sector. ''A proposal for buying 10 lakh hand grenades from an Indian firm would be considered by the Defence Ministry at a high-level meeting to be chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman this week,'' government sources told ANI. The more than Rs 500 crore proposal is critical as the government has already taken care of the main personal weapon requirements of the Army soldiers by signing two contracts for modern rifles. In the first case, a contract worth over Rs 700 crore for around 75,000 Sig Sauer assault rifles from an American firm has been signed while a joint venture has been formed with Russia to manufacture 7.5 lakh modern AK-203 assault rifles. The project for acquiring new hand grenades is required for the replacement of the existing HE-36 grenades manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board. The multi-mode grenades have been developed by the DRDO and a production agency has been selected to manufacture them in large numbers. Hand grenades are among the few critical weapons that soldiers need in the time of war as they can be used to cause heavy damage to enemy positions or bunkers apart from taking out their soldiers. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been heightened after the Pulwama attack on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. India avenged the attack by striking the Balakot terrorist training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Defence Ministry plans to buy 10 lakh hand grenades for combat troops

India on Thursday sealed a $3 billion deal with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-after-1971-how-china-france-uk-helped-build-pakistan-navy-201805">Russia for leasing of a nuclear-powered</a> attack submarine for the Indian Navy for a period of 10 years, military sources said.

The two countries signed an inter-governmental agreement capping months of negotiations on price and various other aspects of the deal.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Under the pact, Russia will have to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ak-203-is-latest-derivative-of-legendary-ak-47-rifle-201041">deliver the Akula class submarine</a>, to be known as Chakra III, to the Indian Navy by 2025.&nbsp;

It will be the third Russian submarine to be leased to the Indian Navy.

A spokesperson in the Defence Ministry refused to comment when asked about the deal.

India has been significantly bolstering its naval prowess in the backdrop of China's attempts to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean region. India Navy has taken two more submarines from Russia on lease.

The first Russian nuclear-powered submarine - christened INS Chakra - was taken in 1988 under a three year lease. A second INS Chakra was taken on lease in 2012 for a period of 10 years.

The lease of Chakra II will expire in 2022 and India is looking at extending the lease, sources said.

The deal for the Chakra III came days after Indo-Russian joint production facility to manufacture AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Army was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

In October, India signed a multi-billion dollar deal with Russia to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile system.&nbsp;

India on Thursday sealed a $3 billion deal with Russia for leasing of a nuclear-powered attack submarine for the Indian Navy for a period of 10 years, military sources said.

India on Thursday sealed a $3 billion deal with Russia for leasing of a nuclear-powered attack submarine for the Indian Navy for a period of 10 years, military sources said. The two countries signed an inter-governmental agreement capping months of negotiations on price and various other aspects of the deal. Under the pact, Russia will have to deliver the Akula class submarine, to be known as Chakra III, to the Indian Navy by 2025. It will be the third Russian submarine to be leased to the Indian Navy. A spokesperson in the Defence Ministry refused to comment when asked about the deal. India has been significantly bolstering its naval prowess in the backdrop of China's attempts to expand its influence in the Indian Ocean region. India Navy has taken two more submarines from Russia on lease. The first Russian nuclear-powered submarine - christened INS Chakra - was taken in 1988 under a three year lease. A second INS Chakra was taken on lease in 2012 for a period of 10 years. The lease of Chakra II will expire in 2022 and India is looking at extending the lease, sources said. The deal for the Chakra III came days after Indo-Russian joint production facility to manufacture AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Army was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. In October, India signed a multi-billion dollar deal with Russia to procure a batch of S-400 air defence missile system.

Russia to lease nuclear-powered submarine to India in deal worth $3 billion

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