AK-203 - Defence and Security
News: Indo-Russian
joint venture begins manufacturing AK-203 assault rifles in U.P.
What's in the news?
● The
joint venture between India and Russia, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited
(IRRPL), has started producing AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles at Korwa in
Uttar Pradesh.
Key takeaways:
● The
Korwa Ordnance Factory will deliver the first batch of 5,000 rifles would be
delivered to the Army by March 2023.
● The
plan is set to include 100% localization
of the production of legendary Russian assault rifles in India.
● In
addition, in the future, the joint venture may increase production and modernize
production facilities to manufacture advanced rifles based on the Kalashnikov
assault rifle platform.
● The
production which was originally scheduled to begin early this year has been
slightly delayed due to the war in Ukraine.
● Under
an over ₹5,000 crore contract, over 6.1 lakh AK-203 assault rifles will be
manufactured in India with technology transfer from Russia.
● During
the exhibition, Rosoboronexport will discuss with the Indian side the
production and supply of AK-203 for the armed forces and other law enforcement
agencies of the country.
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL):
● The
IRRPL was set up in 2019 jointly between erstwhile OFB [now Advanced Weapons
and Equipment India Limited and Munitions India Limited of India and
Rosoboronexport and concern Kalashnikov of Russia.
AK-203 rifles:
● It
has retained all the advantages of the traditional AK series such as
reliability, durability and ease of maintenance.
● Kalashnikov
A-200-series assault rifles are fitted with integral Picatinny rails for convenient and easy mounting of sights and
tactical accessories for effective use of weapons in various conditions.
● In
particular, they feature a redesigned fire selector and a modified receiver
cover.