India to launch licensed production of Kalashnikov AK-203 soon.

New Delhi is finalizing a joint Russian-Indian program to produce Kalashnikov AK-203 7.62 mm assault rifles at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) enterprise in Korwa (Uttar Pradesh), the Economic Times newspaper reported on January 13.
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Kalashnikov AK-203 in Russian basic configuration that includes a fixed buttstock and Picatinny rail, unlike the forthcoming Indian standard model (Picture source: Kalashnikov)

Chief of the Indian Army (IN) Staff Gen M M Naravane told the Economic Times that the negotiations on the in-house manufacturing of the AK-203 had almost been completed. According to the general, the abovementioned negotiations are “at an advanced stage” and the project is now being finalized. He also expressed hope that the contract would be signed soon. The enterprise in Korwa is set to produce approximately 700,000 AK-203 assault rifles under license, the newspaper reported.

The AK-203 is a deeply modernised variant of the renowned Kalashnikov AK-103 7.62 m battle rifle. The new firearm is manufactured by the Kalashnikov Group. The weapon fires 7.62×39 cartridge and weighs 3.8 kg without ammo. The assault rifle is accurate at 800 m and is fed by 30-round polymer magazines. Compared to its predecessors, the AK-203 features an upper Picatinny (MIL-1913-STD) rail for optical/red dot/electronic sights and a handguard with a lower Picatinny rail for tactical grips, laser pointers, and flashlights.

The above-mentioned JV will be a profitable enterprise for India, as Russia is planning to transfer almost all technologies for licensed manufacturing of AK-203 to India. The company is also believed to have a decent export potential.

The Indian Armed Forces now operate the INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) 5.56 mm assault rifle as their primary infantry weapon. However, the country’s troops (especially those deployed in mountain areas and rugged terrains) need a robust, reliable, easy-to-handle, and easy-to-maintain firearm chambered for more powerful cartridges (for instance, 7.62×39 M43 or 7.62×51.308 Winchester). AK-203 and its derivatives fit that niche very well.

The Indian government launched its ‘Make in India’ initiative several years ago. However, the recent pandemic of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has stressed the importance of in-house production. The JV will establish a large number of jobs and increase the capacities of the Indian defense industry.

In recent years, Kalashnikov has established a family of military-grade automatic firearms, which is designed to provide small arms to any servicemen. This family comprises the Vityaz-MO 9 mm Parabellum submachinegun (SMG) suitable for commandos, operators of heavy weapons, and non-commissioned officers. The SMG is followed by AK-203 assault rifle, which is offered as a standard infantry firearm.

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