With repeated delays in deals for procurement of AK-203 assault rifles and Kamov-226 utility helicopters from Russia, Indian Army has decided to buy off the shelf 70,000 AK-203 assault rifles from Russia.

It is considered to be the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle. This is expected to replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45 mm assault rifle, which according to officers is now having problems at high altitude.

The AK200 series rifles have retained all the benefits of the original AK classics: reliability, durability and easy maintenance.

Compared to earlier Kalashnikov rifles, AK203 has better ergonomics, accuracy and density of fire. The gun has been tested under the conditions of extreme heat and cold.

High degree of versatility, adjustability and customizability of AK203 – mostly due to the presence of Picatinny rail which enables easy instalment on the basic rifle of various additional equipment depending on the nature of the mission: night and day gun sights, handles, flashlights, laser designators etc.

Thus, can quickly be adapted to the utilization of varied components of the security agencies as well as the armed forces.

In 2019, the two countries India and Russia have already signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) after which a joint venture — Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) — was set up at Korwa, Pradesh for the manufacturing of these rifles.

It is between the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) from India and from Russian side it is Rosoboronexports and Kalashnikov.

And to ensure timely execution and deliveries of the rifles as and when it starts the Indian Army has also appointed a Major General as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IRRPL.

While the OFB is holding a majority stake of 50.5 percent, the Kalashnikov Group is holding a 42 percent share and Rosoboronexport; state owned agency of Russia is holding the remaining 7.5 percent.

Meanwhile, a Request for Proposal (RFP) has been floated by the Ministry of Defence to the JV for the supply of 6.71 lakh rifles.

Image source: The Economic Times