Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow this weekend for the annual India-Russia Summit, the Indian Army has received its first batch of 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles assembled in India. These new weapons underscore the deepening military ties between New Delhi and Moscow, especially as they come through an Indo-Russian joint venture established in the Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Russia on July 8 and 9 for the 22nd annual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This visit is expected to further bolster diplomatic and defense collaborations, with the AK-203 rifles standing as a testament to the two nations’ growing camaraderie in defense capabilities. The assault rifles are manufactured under Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture initiated in 2019.
IRRPL results from collaborative efforts between India’s Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited and Munitions India Limited (formerly the Ordnance Factory Board) on the Indian side, and Russia’s Rosoboronexport and Kalashnikov Concern—both subsidiaries of Rostec State Corporation—on the Russian side. This partnership aims to produce over 600,000 AK-203 rifles through technology transfer from Russia, under a contract valued at more than Rs 5,000 crore, signed in July 2021.
The establishment of IRRPL was made possible by equipping the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi with necessary machinery and tools for indigenous production. Alexander Mikheev, Director-General of Rosoboronexport, affirmed that the facilities are fully operational, enabling Russia to meet the promised delivery schedule set by India’s Ministry of Defence.
Sergey Chemezov, the Director-General of Rostec, highlighted that India is the first country outside Russia to manufacture the 200th series of Kalashnikov rifles. Initially, 70,000 rifles will be manufactured in India with an increasing local content from 5% to 70%. Eventually, the remaining rifles will feature 100% local content. In light of previous delays in finalizing the contract, India had previously procured 70,000 AK-103 rifles directly under an agreement signed in August 2021.
### Evolution of Kalashnikov Rifles
The Kalashnikov rifles have seen several evolutions, starting from the iconic AK-47, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947. The AK stands for ‘Avtomat Kalashnikova’, translating to ‘Kalashnikov’s automatic rifle’. The AK-47’s design has undergone multiple iterations, beginning with the AKM in 1959, which focused on ease of production and user handling, including a slant-cut compensator to manage recoil.
Then came the AK-74 in 1974, which transitioned to a 5.45x39mm cartridge from the original 7.62x39mm. This was followed by the AK-74M upgrade in 1991. The AK-100 series, developed in the subsequent years, introduced significant improvements, including a low-recoil variant called the AK-107.
The AK-200 series represents the fifth generation, offering several upgrades over the AK-100 series. The latest, the AK-12 family, is the most advanced yet, featuring enhancements in both functionality and cost.
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### Introducing the Kalashnikov AK-203
The AK-203, the latest iteration, is an advanced version of the basic AK-47, brought to life by the Kalashnikov Concern in Russia. This rifle is part of the fifth generation of the AK-200 series and uses a 7.62×39mm cartridge. Known for its superior performance and accuracy, it retains the robust durability of its predecessors.
Compared to the approximate $200 price tag of a basic AK-47, the Indian-manufactured AK-203 is estimated to cost between $900 and $1,000. This cost hike is attributed to advanced features and local manufacturing processes.
Measuring 705 mm (27.8 inches) with the stock folded and 940 mm (37 inches) with the stock extended, the AK-203 also boasts a barrel length of 415 mm (16.3 inches). This dimension is optimal, striking a balance between accuracy, range, and maneuverability, making it suitable for varied combat scenarios.
### Technical Specifications and Tactical Advantages
The AK-203 features a Picatinny rail for mounting optics and accessories, an ergonomic pistol grip, and an adjustable folding stock. The Picatinny rail allows for easy customization and attachment of scopes, sights, and other accessories. Moreover, the new muzzle brake significantly reduces recoil and muzzle rise, enhancing accuracy during rapid fire.
The rifle employs a long-stroke gas piston system, typical of Kalashnikov designs, which ensures reliable performance under harsh conditions such as dirt, mud, and extreme temperatures. This system makes the AK-203 highly dependable in the field.
Firing 7.62x39mm bullets, the AK-203 is effective at a range of 300-400 meters, although it can hit targets up to 800 meters with decreased accuracy. Its iron sights are calibrated for up to 1,000 meters. These 7.62x39mm bullets come in various types, including full metal jacket (FMJ) for general use, hollow point (HP) for maximal target damage, and armor-piercing (AP) for penetrating tougher materials.
### Conclusion
The locally assembled Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles signify a major boost to India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing. As Prime Minister Modi prepares for his summit with President Putin, the timely arrival and production of these rifles serve as a robust example of Indo-Russian cooperation in defense technology. This endeavor not only strengthens India’s military capabilities but also marks a significant step toward achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defense manufacturing.
