The Army will have a total of 70,000 AK-203 rifles in its arsenal by the end of this year. Currently, the rifles produced at the IRRPL Amethi facility are 50% indigenous
The joint production of AK-203 rifles at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, is set to achieve 100% indigenisation by the end of 2025. Once fully indigenised, the rifle will be named “Sher”. The Indian Army has already received 48,000 units and is set to receive an additional 7,000 rifles by August 15. With further deliveries planned, the Army will have a total of 70,000 AK-203 rifles in its arsenal by the end of this year.
Currently, the rifles produced at the IRRPL Amethi facility are 50% indigenous. The transfer of technology was completed in 2024. “The contract signed between IRRPL and the Ministry of Defence mandates the production of 6,01,427 AK-203 assault rifles over 10 years. The first two years were dedicated to technology absorption. After 2025, we expect to produce 70,000 rifles annually,” said Maj Gen SK Sharma, CMD, IRRPL.
The AK-203 assault rifle, chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge, combines the legendary durability of the AK platform with advanced upgrades to dominate modern combat environments. It offers versatile firing modes, switching between automatic fire (700 rounds per minute) for sustained engagements and single-shot precision for controlled targeting. The rifle features a folding buttstock, an ergonomic foregrip, and a tactical three-point sling for enhanced mobility. Additionally, it is equipped with full-length Picatinny rails and under-barrel grenade launchers, transforming it into a mission-specific weapon system.
The AK-203 can engage targets up to 800 metres, with a battle sight range of 350 metres. It boasts a 30-round high-capacity magazine for sustained firepower and a lightweight design, weighing just 3.6 kg.
The rifles have performed flawlessly in service, with no reported issues. IRRPL officials attribute this reliability to rigorous design, quality control, and testing at the Amethi facility. Each rifle undergoes evaluation based on over 120 parameters and is tested with 63 rounds at the facility’s range.
Maj Gen Sharma stated, “We are committed to completing deliveries by 2032, but I am confident we will achieve this by 2030. Several other services and forces have approached us for these rifles, and we have received requests from multiple countries. We will evaluate these requests and plan to supply rifles to nations friendly to both Russia and India.”
