Archive · 7 Sep 2026
India Advances Defence Self-Reliance With Indigenous AK-203 Rifles
India has made a new version of the AK-203 rifle using only Indian parts and materials.
The rifle was tested at a factory in Uttar Pradesh.
A company created by India and Russia plans to give the rifle to the Indian Army for testing.
If the trials go well, deliveries could start in April 2027.
More than 600,000 rifles are planned by December 2030.
The rifles are expected to be cheaper than imported ones.
They could also be used by police forces and exported later.
Soldiers in different parts of India, including Siachen, have provided early feedback.
The project is intended to help India rely less on imported defence equipment.
India has test-fired its first fully indigenous AK-203 assault rifle at the Korwa facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited plans to submit the rifle for Indian Army trials this month.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin by April 2027, with more than 600,000 rifles expected by December 2030.
The AK-203 is reported to cost at least 25 percent less than imported versions and could be exported from 2030.
Adani Defence & Aerospace will supply indigenous 7.62x39 mm ammunition for the programme under a five-year agreement.
- Who
- Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, the Indian Army, and Indian defence manufacturers are involved.
- What
- India has test-fired its first 100 percent locally sourced AK-203 assault rifle.
- When
- The rifle is expected to enter Indian Army trials this month, with deliveries scheduled from April 2027 through December 2030.
- Where
- The rifle was tested at the Korwa manufacturing facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- Why
- The programme supports India’s goal of defence-sector self-reliance and reducing reliance on imported weapons.
- Rifle
- AK-203 assault rifle
- Local content
- 100 percent Indian components and input materials
- Planned deliveries
- More than 600,000 rifles by December 2030
- Production target
- One rifle every 100 seconds at peak capacity
- Cost
- At least 25 percent cheaper than imported versions
- Ammunition supplier
- Adani Defence & Aerospace will supply 7.62x39 mm ammunition for five years
- Potential exports
- The rifle could be available for export from 2030