India, Russia begin manufacturing of AK-203 assault rifles in U.P.’s Amethi

Subject : International Relations

Section : India ‘s Relations

Concept :

Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) which is a joint venture between India and Russia, has started producing AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh.
The IRRPL was established in 2019 jointly by the erstwhile OFB [now Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL)] of India and Rosoboronexport and Kalashnikov of Russia.
The IRRPL venture aims to ensure 100% localisation of the production of AK-203 rifles in India.
The Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi has produced the first batch of 7.62 mm Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles and it will be delivered soon to the Indian Army.
The use of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles marks the entry of high-quality, convenient and modern small arms into India’s defence and law enforcement agencies.
The AK-203 assault rifles will replace the India-made INSAS assault rifles and the older AK-47.