By Aritra Banerjee
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between Russia and India, has announced the opening production facilities at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh. The local production of AK-203 rifles is aimed at promoting self-sufficiency for the Indian Defence Services and aligning with the government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, according to a written reply from the Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, to a question in Rajya Sabha.
The Korwa Ordnance Factory has produced the first batch of 7.62 mm Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh and deliveries to the Indian Army are expected soon, Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport had said earlier. The factory can fully equip other law enforcement agencies in India with the rifles, and the joint venture plans to export its products to third countries.
Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostec, had earlier highlighted that the Russia-India partnership has led to the creation of the joint venture, which will provide high-quality, convenient, and modern small arms to India’s defence and law enforcement agencies. The AK-203 rifles are one of the best assault rifles in the world, with excellent ergonomics, adaptability to different shooters, and high-performance characteristics.
The joint venture plans to localise production in India fully. It has the potential to increase output and upgrade facilities to manufacture advanced rifles based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle platform. IRRPL complies with the Government of India’s Made in India initiative and the Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020.
With these developments, India has become the first country to start producing the AK-200-series assault rifles of the global brand.
