100% Made-in-India AK-203 Rifle Still A Few Steps Away

The much-anticipated delivery of a fully indigenous AK-203 assault rifle for the Indian Army remains some distance away, with the first batch of rifles, which comprises significant Russian components, yet to be completed. While the rifle is being locally manufactured under a joint India-Russia venture, the transformation into a 100% “Made in India” weapon system will take time.

The AK-203: A Modern Successor to the AK-47

The AK-203 is the latest evolution of the legendary Kalashnikov series, designed to combine the rugged reliability of the AK-47 with modern ergonomic and operational improvements.

Chambered in 7.62×39mm, the AK-203 offers greater accuracy, improved sighting systems, and lighter weight compared to its Soviet-era predecessor. With an effective range of up to 800 meters, it outperforms the AK-47, which typically has a maximum range of 300 meters.

Weighing in at 3.8 kg (without magazine), the rifle is also lighter than the AK-47, which weighs approximately 4.3 kg. It features telescopic buttstocks, improved recoil control, and compatibility with modern optics, making it well-suited for current battlefield conditions.

Replacing INSAS and Modernising Infantry

The AK-203 is part of India’s efforts to phase out the ageing INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) 5.56mm rifles, which have served the Indian Army since the 1990s. Over the years, INSAS rifles were criticised for reliability issues, especially in high-altitude and combat conditions.

With the introduction of the AK-203, along with the American Sig Sauer 716 rifles, the Indian Army is moving toward a modern and lethal small arms inventory. So far, around 50,000 AK-203 rifles have been delivered to the Army.

Indigenous Content Still Growing

Under the Rs 5,100 crore contract signed in 2021 between India and Russia, a total of 6.1 lakh AK-203 rifles will be manufactured. The rifles are being produced at a dedicated facility in Korwa, Amethi (Uttar Pradesh), operated by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited—a joint venture between India’s Ordnance Factory Board and Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern and Rosoboronexport.

According to defence sources, the initial batch of 70,000 rifles includes varying levels of indigenous content:

• The first 35,000 rifles reportedly contain only 5% Indian components.
• Of the following 20,000 rifles, approximately 12,000 have 15% local content, while 8,000 have 30% local content.
• The final batch of this consignment will include rifles with up to 70% Indian-made parts.

The production of fully indigenous rifles—those with 100% Indian components—is expected to begin only after the completion of the first 70,000 units. The initial batch of 10 fully indigenous AK-203 rifles will reportedly be handed over to the Army for trials before mass production begins.

A Strong Symbol of Self-Reliance, But Not Yet Fully Atmanirbhar

The AK-203 project is a flagship example of the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector. However, sources acknowledge that transitioning to complete indigenisation takes time due to the complexity of defence manufacturing and the need to localise not just assembly but also raw materials, forgings, barrels, optics, and electronics.

Huma Siddiqui