ForumIAS announcing GS Foundation Program for UPSC CSE 2025-26 from 19 April. Click Here for more information.
Source: The post is based on the article “India, Russia begin manufacturing of AK-203 assault rifles in U.P.’s Amethi” published in The Hindu on 17th January 2023.
What is the News?
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited(IRRPL) has started producing AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh.
This makes India the first country outside Russia which has started the production of AK-200 series assault rifles of the world-famous brand.
What are AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles?
About India-Russia Defence Relationship
India-Russia military-technical cooperation has evolved from a buyer-seller framework to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced defence technologies and systems.
The joint military programmes between India and Russia include BrahMos cruise missile programme, 5th generation fighter jet programme, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI programme, Ilyushin/HAL Tactical Transport Aircraft and KA-226T twin-engine utility helicopters.
The military hardware purchased/leased by India from Russia includes S-400 TRIUMF, T-90S Bhishma, and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier programme among others.
Russia also plays a very important role in assisting the Indian Navy with its submarine programmes. Indian Navy’s first submarine, ‘Foxtrot Class’ came from Russia.
INS Vikramaditya, the aircraft carrier operated by India, is also Russian in origin.
