Guwahati: The Centre has approved plans for the production of over five lakh AK-203 assault rifles at Korwa, Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, in order to improve the country’s defence manufacturing self-reliance.
The 7.62 x 39mm calibre AK-203 Rifles will replace the INSAS Rifle, which has been in service for nearly three decades. The AK-203 rifles, according to the government, will improve the Indian Army’s operational efficacy in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Furthermore, the project will generate business prospects for a variety of MSMEs and other defence industries in terms of raw material and component supply, resulting in new job opportunities.
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd, a special purpose joint company, will carry out the project (IRRPL). It was developed in collaboration with India’s OFB [now Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL)] and Russia’s Rosoboronexport (RoE) and Kalashnikov business.
“It reflects the ever-increasing paradigm shift in defence purchasing from buy (global) to Make in India,” says the statement. This effort will be carried out in collaboration with Russia and shows the two nations’ growing defence cooperation,” the official stated.