In a big achievement forward of the twenty second India-Russia Summit, Indo-Russian Rifles Non-public Restricted (IRRPL) has efficiently produced and delivered 35,000 “Made in India” Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Military. This milestone underscores the continued defence cooperation between India and Russia, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative within the defence sector.
The Kalashnikov AK-203, a modernized model of the AK-200 collection chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge, is designed to reinforce the fight capabilities of the Indian Military. IRRPL is a three way partnership involving India’s Ordnance Manufacturing facility Board, Russia’s ROSOBORONEXPORT JSC, and the Kalashnikov Group, each subsidiaries of ROSTEC State Company—Russia’s major provider of armaments, navy, and particular gear.
This venture is an important a part of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan (Self-Reliant India) program, which prioritizes the localization of defence manufacturing. Sergey Chemezov, Director Common of ROSTEC, highlighted the importance of this enterprise, stating, “Right this moment, India is the primary international buyer to provide the ‘two hundredth’ collection of Kalashnikov assault rifles. Manufacturing has been deployed in India in full compliance with the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan packages.”
The rifles had been manufactured on the Korwa Ordnance Manufacturing facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, which has been outfitted with the required equipment to make sure well timed manufacturing and supply. Alexander Mikheev, Director Common of ROSOBORONEXPORT, emphasised the venture’s profitable implementation, noting, “This enabled the manufacturing and supply of 35,000 Kalashnikov assault rifles to the Indian Military inside the agreed timeframe with the Ministry of Defence of India.” He described the three way partnership as a “vivid instance of fruitful cooperation between our international locations within the defence sector.”
Along with the AK-203 rifles, ROSTEC has introduced the manufacturing of “Mango shells” in India, designed to defeat armoured automobiles with composite armour, beneath the Make in India program. The 125mm Mango spherical is appropriate with the T-72 and T-90 MBTs.
Defence cooperation stays a cornerstone of Indo-Russian relations, marked by quite a few collaborative tasks through the years. These embody the S-400 air defence system, licensed manufacturing of T-90 tanks and Su-30MKI plane, provide of MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, INS Vikramaditya (previously Admiral Gorshkov), manufacturing of AK-203 rifles, and BrahMos missiles. Russia has additionally accredited the India-Russia logistics pact because the summit approaches, enhancing navy interoperability between the 2 nations.