AK-203 Assault Rifles

Source-This post on AK-203 Assault Rifles has been created based on the article “Army gets 27,000 AK-203 rifles through joint venture” published in “The Hindu” on 20th May 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Army received AK-203 assault rifles from Russia.

About the AK-203 Assault Rifles

 1. About AK-203 Rifles: It is an advanced version of the AK-47 rifle, designed for improved ergonomics and accuracy. It is developed by the Russian company Kalashnikov Concern.

2. Manufactured  by: The rifles are being manufactured in India as part of a joint venture named Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd. (IRRPL).

3. As of now, 27,000 AK-203 rifles have been delivered to the Indian Army. An additional 8,000 rifles are expected to be handed over in the next two weeks.

5. Indigenisation Efforts: The current level of indigenisation in the production of AK-203 rifles is approximately 25%. The aim is to increase this to 70% within the next two years.

6. Strategic Importance:

i) The induction of AK-203 rifles is part of the Indian Army’s broader initiative to modernize its infantry weapons and replace the older INSAS rifles.

ii) These rifles are considered crucial for enhancing the combat readiness of the Army, particularly for troops involved in counter-insurgency operations.

iii) The AK-203 rifles represent a significant upgrade in the Indian Army’s arsenal, combining local manufacturing with critical technology transfer, thereby boosting both defense capabilities and domestic defense production.

7. Other Rifle Acquisitions: Concurrently, the Indian Army has also inducted 66,400 SIG-716 assault rifles for frontline troops, highlighting ongoing efforts to bolster its small arms capabilities.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Defence)