17 February 2025 – The Indian military has fully integrated the Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifle into its daily service, further enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities. Manufactured domestically under the visionary “Make in India” initiative, these rifles are not only bolstering national security but also ensuring the safety of attendees at Aero India 2025, the country’s premier defence exhibition.

This year marked a significant milestone for Indo-Russian cooperation, as Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) delivered the first batch of AK-203 rifles assembled with Indian-made components. In total, the Ministry of Defence has already received over 40,000 indigenously produced AK-203 rifles, affirming the success of this landmark partnership.

Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, highlighted the importance of technological collaboration in Indo-Russian projects, stating:

“Our approach is rooted in mutual benefit, transparency, and trust. Over decades of partnership with India, we have evolved from licensed manufacturing to co-development and joint production. The Kalashnikov AK-203 project and localisation of Mango shells are prime examples of this evolution.”

The production process is progressively moving towards complete localisation, with India aiming for 100% indigenous production of the AK-203. The collaboration engages both public and private manufacturing enterprises, research laboratories, and other stakeholders across India.

This initiative is hailed as a beacon of success under the Make in India programme, demonstrating India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Expanding Horizons

The joint venture’s production portfolio is set to grow, with additional orders being placed by Indian security agencies beyond the Ministry of Defence. This expansion underscores the increasing demand for the reliability and cutting-edge technology of the AK-203 platform.