The government of India has nodded for a plan to manufacture around 5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles at Korwa in Amethi, UP.
According to a source, “It reflects the ever-increasing paradigm shift in defence acquisition from buy (global) to Make in India. This endeavour will be done in partnership with Russia and reflects the deepening partnership between the two countries in the defence sector.”
It is noted that the AK-203 assault rifles are lightweight, robust, and easy to use modern assault rifles with proven technology that will enhance the combat potential of soldiers to adequately meet present and anticipated operational challenges.
Indo-Russian Rifle Private Limited (IRRPL) will be the joint venture company responsible for the project. It has been created with erstwhile OFB [now Advanced Weapons and Equipment (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL)] of India and Rosoboronexport (RoE) and concern Kalashnikov of Russia, they said.
