Centre's nod to produce 5 lakh AK-203 rifles at Amethi unit

LUCKNOW: In a major boost to self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the central government has given its go ahead to the production of over five lakh AK-203 assault rifles at Korwa in Amethi district.
According to the sources, the manufacturing will be done in partnership with Russia.
The 7.62x39mm caliber AK-203 rifles will replace the in-service INSAS rifle, which was inducted over three decades ago, government sources said.
With an effective range of 300 metres, AK-203 modern assault rifles are lightweight, robust and easy to use. 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 counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism operations.
Sources said the project would be implemented by a special purpose joint venture, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL). It has been created with erstwhile OFB, now Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd (AWEIL), and Munitions India Limited (MIL) of India, and Rosoboronexport (RoE) and concern Kalashnikov of Russia.
The project will provide business opportunities to various MSMEs and other defence industries for the supply of raw material and components, which will lead to generation of new employment opportunities.
“The project marks a significant stride towards making Uttar Pradesh a key contributor to the ascendant defence manufacturing prowess of India,” a government source said.
“It reflects the ever-increasing paradigm shift in defence acquisition from buy (global) to ‘Make in India’. The endeavour will deepen partnership between India and Russia in the defence sector,” he said.