The Centre has given go-ahead for the production of over five lakh AK203 assault rifles at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi, TOI reported.
The government has taken this decision with an aim to boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing in the country, a report said.
According to report, the Centre has tied up with a Russian manufacturing company for this.
“It reflects the ever-increasing paradigm shift in defence acquisition from buying (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,” TOI quoted officials as saying.
The 7.62 X 39mm calibre AK-203 rifles will replace the in-service INSAS rifle, which was inducted over three decades ago.
With an effective range of 300 metres, AK-203 rifles are lightweight, robust and easy to use modern assault rifles.
The technology of these assault rifles will enhance the combat potential of soldiers to adequately meet, present and envisage operational challenges.
The AK-203 assault rifles will enhance the operational effectiveness of the Indian Army in counterinsurgency/counter-terrorism operations.
According to government sources, the project will be implemented by a special purpose Joint Venture called Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL).
It has been created with erstwhile OFB [now Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL)] of India and Rosoboronexport (RoE) and concern Kalashnikov of Russia.