Boosting India’s Defense: Army Set to Receive 75K AK-203 Rifles by Year-End Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative

The Indian Army is about to receive an additional 75,000 AK-203 assault rifles this year. This move is a significant step toward India’s goal of self-reliance in defense, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The new rifles will replace the older INSAS rifles, which have been in use for over thirty years.

These rifles are being put together at the Korwa ordnance factory in Amethi, through a partnership between India and Russia. A crucial aspect of this project is that most components are now being manufactured locally, primarily at the Small Arms Factory (SAF) in Kanpur.

According to Surendra Pati, the general manager at SAF, since February 2023, the factory has been producing key parts like barrels and receivers that were previously imported. “Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission, most parts of the AK-203 are now being made at SAF,” he stated, confirming that supply to the Army has already started.

Last year, the Army received 48,000 AK-203 rifles. With the new batch, the total will surpass 120,000. In the next five years, more than 600,000 rifles will be supplied, with the entire project costing around ₹5,200 crore.

SAF Kanpur’s contributions go beyond just parts. Their engineers have developed solutions to meet specific quality standards, ensuring that the AK-203 is not just an imported assembly but a truly Indian product. This expertise is vital for future efforts to create more advanced weapon systems domestically.

Officials note that the work from SAF is essential for this project’s success. Their experience in small arms production has been instrumental in overcoming various production challenges. The factory’s efforts serve as a model for indigenizing advanced weapon systems and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

The AK-203 is celebrated for its reliability and adaptability in various conditions. It is chambered for 7.62×39 mm ammunition, blending the classic AK-47 design with modern enhancements like better ergonomics and compatibility with optics.

The Indo-Russian partnership aims to ramp up production to 12,000 rifles monthly by next year. This success not only boosts the Army’s capabilities but also strengthens India’s defense manufacturing sector. Factories like SAF are evolving to meet modern demands, showcasing how India is moving towards a more self-sufficient defense industry.

By focusing on local production and collaboration, India is not just modernizing its military. It is also paving the way for future defense partnerships and successes under the Make in India initiative, aiming for a robust and self-reliant defense landscape.

For more on India’s defense initiatives, check this report from the Ministry of Defence: Ministry of Defence Report.

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