Russia Manufactures Tools for AK-203 Production in India.

In the first half of the year, Kalashnikov Concern, part of the Rostec State Corporation, produced over 3,000 units of tools and technological equipment. This production is part of a contract aimed at establishing a licensed production line for the AK-203 assault rifle in India.
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Rostec State Corporation produced over 3,000 units of tools and technological equipment for India. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)

The company's tool and weapons production divisions successfully manufactured over a thousand different types of products, including cutting tools, dies, and equipment, ensuring timely and complete delivery. Additionally, Kalashnikov produced over 2,000 military calibers for testing automatic weapons within the troops.

"We are actively developing partnership relations with our Indian colleagues," stated Alan Lushnikov, President of JSC Kalashnikov Concern. "Timely and complete manufacturing and shipping of tools is our priority, as stipulated by the current contract."

The AK-203 is an assault rifle designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov between 2007 and 2010. It is manufactured by Kalashnikov Concern and Indo-Russia Rifles, highlighting an international collaboration for its production. The rifle, originally from Russia, is used by various armed forces worldwide.

This assault rifle weighs 3.8 kg, with a length ranging from 880 to 940 mm when the stock is extended. The barrel measures 415 mm, allowing an effective firing range adjustable between 400 and 800 meters, thanks to its adjustable iron sights. It uses a 7.62×39mm cartridge, known for its effectiveness in various combat conditions.

The AK-203 operates with a gas-operated mechanism with a rotating bolt, providing a firing rate of approximately 700 rounds per minute. The muzzle velocity is 715 meters per second, ensuring good ballistic performance. The rifle is fed by a 30-round detachable box magazine, with an option for a 50-round quad-column magazine for operations requiring greater ammunition capacity.

In terms of aiming, the AK-203 is equipped with adjustable iron sights and can be fitted with Picatinny rails for various optics, enhancing its versatility on the battlefield. Notably, last year, Kalashnikov shipped over 4,500 units of tools to support the licensed production of the AK-203 in India.

India and Russia maintain a long-standing cooperation in the defense sector, characterized by joint projects and production agreements. This collaboration includes local production and the development of advanced defense technologies, such as the licensed production of the AK-203 assault rifle in India. The two countries signed a military and technical cooperation agreement for the decade 2021-2031, underscoring their long-term commitment. Additionally, India has purchased the S-400 Triumf air defense system from Russia, a significant agreement despite international sanctions against Moscow​.

Despite these initiatives, the Indo-Russian relationship faces challenges, including India's diversification of its defense import sources to countries like the United States and Israel. Russia's close ties with China also add complexity to the bilateral dynamics. Beyond defense, the two countries collaborate in the energy, space, and civil nuclear sectors, with projects like the Kudankulam nuclear power plant illustrating the breadth of their strategic partnership​​.