Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is manufacturing 'Made in India' AK-203 rifles in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. In the past 18 months, 48,000 rifles have been delivered to the Indian Army. By August 15, 2025, an additional 7,000 rifles will be delivered. India Today received the first access to this factory. This project symbolizes self-reliance in India's defense sector.
Journey of Technology and Self-Reliance
IRRPL has completed 100% technology transfer (ToT) with Russia. Currently, 50% indigenization has been achieved, which will increase to 70% by October 2025 and reach 100% by December 31, 2025. After full indigenization, the AK-203 will be renamed 'Sher.' Production will scale to 12,000 rifles per month, equating to one rifle every 100 seconds, with an annual output of about 150,000 rifles.
Source: aajtak
Production and Delivery Plan
So far, 48,000 rifles have been provided to the army. An additional 7,000 will be delivered in August 2025, followed by 15,000 in December 2025. The total order of 601,427 rifles will be fulfilled by December 2030, 22 months ahead of the original December 2032 timeline. This is a 5,200 crore rupees project under 'Make in India' in Amethi.
Features of AK-203
The AK-203 fires 7.62×39mm rounds at 700 rounds per minute, with an effective range of 800 meters. It is lightweight, durable, and reliable in all weather conditions. The first rifle was completed at the Korwa plant on August 15, 2023. All materials are now sourced within India.
Source: aajtak
Korwa Plant: Nation's Premier Testing Lab
The Korwa Plant houses the nation's most advanced testing lab for small arms, where the DGQA team of the Indian Army conducts rifle tests. All delivered rifles have zero complaints so far. The army plans to completely replace INSAS rifles with the AK-203.
Insights from CMD Major General SK Sharma
IRRPL's CMD, Major General SK Sharma, shared with India Today that initially, Russia offered the AK-103, but General Upendra Dwivedi, then DG Infantry, insisted on the latest AK-203, and it being 'Made in India.' This led to the project's inception. Sharma mentions that we will manufacture for India and also export. Several countries, impressed by the AK-203's performance, have shown interest. We are also working on other weapons.
