AK-203 Rifles

AK-203 Rifles

News: India and Russia have begun the joint production of AK 203 rifles at a factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

Background:
• India and Russia had inked an agreement in December 2021 for procurement of 6,01,427 AK 203 assault rifles through Korwa Ordnance Factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district.

About AK-203 Rifles:
• AK-203 assault rifle is considered to be the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle.
• It is a 7.62×39mm variant from the AK-100 rifle family (one that offers the AK-74M system, in multiple cartridges and lengths).
• It is set to replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45 mm assault rifle, which are presently being used by Army, Navy and the Air Force besides other security forces. INSAS rifles are not suitable for use at high altitude and other issues observed also include gun jamming, oil leakage etc.

Key agreements:
• More than six lakh rifles are to be manufactured in India as part of a joint venture — Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited — established between the Indian Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), Kalashnikov Concern, and Rosoboronexport. 
• It is the biggest defence deal between the two nations in recent years. The deal has a clause for complete technology transfer. The rifles will also be exported to friendly foreign nations.
• The idea is to have rifles made of 100 % indigenous components over a period of 128 months.

Background of India-Russia security relations
•   Tri-services exercise INDRA
•   Brahmos Cruise Missile Programme
•   Sukhoi Su-30MKI programme
•    T90 Bhishma 
•    S-400 defense missile system
•    India's first submarine 'Foxtrot Class' came from Russia
•    INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier programme