Latest news with #AK-203
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Amethi to deliver 7k AK-203 rifles to Army in 2-3 weeks
Ayodhya: Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture company which manufactures AK-203 assault rifles in Amethi, is set to deliver the next batch of Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles to the Indian Army in the next 2-3 weeks. The company, mandated under a Rs 5,200 crore contract to supply 6,01,427 rifles to the armed forces by Oct 2032, plans to finish deliveries by Dec 2030, Maj Gen S K Sharma, CEO and MD of IRRPL, told reporters during an interaction at the factory. "Around 48,000 rifles have been delivered so far. Another 7,000 will be handed over in the next 2-3 weeks and 15,000 additional by Dec this year," Maj Gen Sharma said. IRRPL is adhering to the timeline and aims to achieve 100% indigenization by the end of this year. The AK-203 is a modern version of the Kalashnikov series, he said. The Army is replacing the decades-old INSAS rifles with the AK-203, a Russian-origin assault rifle. India signed a contract worth Rs 5,000 crore with Russia in July 2021 to produce over 6,00,000 AK-203 rifles domestically, with technology transfer from Russia. According to a statement issued by IRRPL, the gun is ideal for counter-terrorism operations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy the Dip: Top 5 Dividend Stocks with Growth Potential Seeking Alpha Read More Undo Not only does it offer better accuracy, but its improved ergonomics and adaptability make it ideal for counter-terrorism operations and high-altitude warfare. Licensed production of the rifles officially began in Jan 2023. Given the dual threats along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and ongoing cross-border activities from Pakistan, rapid changes were made. The AK-203, a modernised version of the Kalashnikov series, will become the primary assault rifle for soldiers deployed along the northern and western borders, including the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control. The rifle, also named 'Sher' in India, replaces the INSAS in service. Initially, 70,000 rifles were imported to meet urgent requirements before full-scale production began at IRRPL under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. The joint venture, set up under an intergovernmental agreement and described as the "younger brother of BrahMos" by Maj Gen Sharma, has 50.5% Indian shareholding and 49.5% Russian stake. It operates from an 8.5-acre facility in Amethi and is not a part of the erstwhile ordnance factories structure. The workflow is overseen by a board of directors comprising four representatives each from India and Russia, besides senior defence officials. Currently, the factory employs over 260 personnel, including permanent Russian experts, and aims to scale up staffing to 537, of which 90% will be locals. IRRPL has achieved 50% indigenisation and aims to deliver the first fully indigenous AK-203 by Dec 2025, after which production will ramp up to 1.5 lakh rifles annually. The company has received 100% Transfer of Technology (ToT) from Russia, with all testing now indigenised. Earlier, parts had to be sent to Russia for validation, the CEO said. Each rifle undergoes 120 processes – "every rifle goes through 120 hands", Maj Gen Sharma said – and comprises around 50 components and 180 sub-parts. It has a life of 15,000 rounds. "Every material now has an alternate source in India," he added.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
‘BrahMos chhota bhai' Sher AK-203 rifle to go fully desi by year-end: Indo-Russian Rifles CEO
India's AK-203 assault rifle production is on track for complete indigenization by the end of 2025, according to IRRPL. The Korwa facility aims to deliver over 6 lakh rifles to the Indian forces by December 2030, ahead of schedule. With 50% of components already localized, the project seeks to replace INSAS rifles and potentially expand its product line for exports. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 50% indigenisation completed AK-203 to replace INSAS rifles Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Early delivery target Each rifle tested through 120 hands From imports to local manufacturing Plans for exports and expansion Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Short-range missile tests also successful India's standard-issue AK-203 assault rifle will be completely indigenous by the end of 2025, according to Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) CEO and Managing Director Major General SK Sharma . The rifle is currently being produced at IRRPL's Korwa facility in Uttar Pradesh under a ₹5,200 crore deal signed under the 'Make in India' initiative, a TOI report said 50% of the rifle's components have already been localised. 'Fifty percent indigenisation has been completed so far. This will reach 100% by the end of the year,' he said in an interview with TOI. According to him, the production rate will increase once full indigenisation is achieved, reducing delays caused by overseas testing and validation. 'All testing is now indigenised. Earlier, parts had to be sent to Russia for validation,' he full capacity, the Korwa factory is expected to produce up to 600 rifles per day, roughly one every 100 seconds. 'Every material now has an alternate source in India,' Sharma AK-203 is a fifth-generation version of the AK-47, combining the reliability of the original platform with modern upgrades. The Indian Army plans to use it as a frontline weapon, replacing the older INSAS rifles. It will be deployed in operational zones including the Line of Control and the Line of Actual rifles are being assembled in India through a joint venture between Russian firms Rosoboronexport and Kalashnikov Concern and Indian firms AWEIL and MIL. The venture was formed in 2019 under an intergovernmental agreement. India holds a 50.5% stake while Russia holds 49.5%.While the original delivery deadline was set for October 2032, IRRPL now plans to complete the delivery of over 6 lakh rifles by December 2030. 'We have received an order of more than 6 lakh rifles from the Indian forces. So far, we have provided them with 48,000 rifles. By the end of this year, we will deliver a total of 70,000 rifles,' Sharma said.'Another 7,000 rifles will be handed over in the next two to three weeks and 15,000 more by December this year,' he added. From 2026, the facility is expected to produce 12,000 rifles per AK-203, known as 'Sher' in India, contains 50 components and 180 sub-parts. It is designed to fire up to 15,000 rounds. Sharma said each rifle 'goes through 120 hands' as part of quality checks. So far, 60 critical components have been indigenised, and Indian vendors are supplying parts for final currently employs over 260 staff and aims to increase the workforce to 537, with 90% local hires. Permanent Russian experts are also stationed at the Korwa the Korwa facility became operational, India had imported 70,000 AK-203 rifles to meet urgent needs. It had also bought 147,000 SIG Sauer 716 rifles from the United States for immediate operational noted the slow start in delivery was due to the indigenisation process. 'Then our rate of production will also increase, and we are planning to deliver all the rifles by the end of 2030, which is two years early as per the contract,' he may expand its product line beyond the AK-203. 'Yes, we are expecting to expand. There are efforts in that direction. The intergovernmental agreement was very clear that this company will also produce other parts of the Kalashnikov Concern and AK-203 is just the entry product,' Sharma company is also preparing for its first international export order and is targeting friendly countries. 'Nothing will affect the vendors irrespective of embargoes,' he described the project as the 'younger brother of BrahMos' and an example of India-Russia defence cooperation. 'Russia has always been there when we needed them. Every Indian Army officer can swear by the fact that once in their lifetime they've used Russian military products and they're very reliable,' he added that IRRPL aims to be among the top five small arms manufacturers in the world by 2032. 'IRRPL is a niche project and it is important, with immense opportunities,' he India conducted successful flight tests of two short-range ballistic missiles—Prithvi-II and Agni-I—from the Chandipur range in Odisha. The Ministry of Defence said the tests were conducted under the Strategic Forces Command and confirmed that 'all operational and technical parameters' were validated.(With inputs from TOI)
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Morning Digest: Made-In-India ‘Sher' Rifles To Boost Army Firepower & Other Top Stories
Last Updated: Amethi-made AK-203 rifles and Salem's fiery ritual anchor a brief that cuts across politics, science, culture, and the everyday stories shaping life in India. ☀️ Good Morning, India! From digital vaccine records for kids to SBI's rate cut and a Tamil thriller's rapid OTT debut, today's news dose covers what's changing in homes, banks, and binge lists. The Amethi-made AK-203 rifles will soon be 100% Made in India and renamed 'Sher'. With 70,000 units to be in Army hands by year-end, this is a firepower milestone. 👉 Read more 💉 You Can Now Download Your Child's Vaccine History: Here's How Lost vaccine cards might be a thing of the past. With India's new U-WIN platform, your child's jabs are just a tap away. 👉 Check out U-WIN ♈ Daily Horoscope Forecast Libra, it's a week for romance. Pisces, tread softly in family matters — empathy over ego. Sizzling with spice and soaked in stories, Angamaly's pork fry isn't just a dish — it's an heirloom. 👉 Cook this legacy Before dawn, flames dance across village courtyards in Salem — not for worship, but for an age-old ritual where coconut meets fire and faith in equal measure. 👉 Know the tradition 🌌 Ever Wondered What Happens When Two Black Holes Collide? LIGO has detected the biggest black hole merger ever, 10 billion light-years away. It's cosmic, colossal, and rewriting what we know about space. 👉 Unpack the cosmic clash view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
4 days ago
- Business
- India Today
Exclusive: Inside Amethi's AK-203 assault rifle factory
India Today gets exclusive access inside the India-Russian Rifle Private Limited factory in Korwa, Amethi, where the AK-203 assault rifle is being manufactured. This joint venture between India and Russia is a significant step in the 'Make in India' initiative, with a target to achieve 100% indigenization by December this year. Currently, 48,000 rifles have been delivered to the Indian Army, with another 7,000 scheduled for delivery by August 15th. The project, part of a ₹5000 crore contract, aims to produce over 6 lakh rifles for the army. The 100% indigenous rifle will be named 'Sher'. Major General S K Sharma, the CMG of the facility, stated, "We are making a rifle which is the best in the world, Kalashnikov AK-203." The plan is not just to manufacture for India but also for other countries, embodying the vision of 'Make for the World'.
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
When ‘Sher' Will Roar: Fully Indigenised AK-203 Rifles Set To Arm Indian Army
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.
