·       IRRPL Set to Complete Delivery of 6.01 Lakh Rifles by 2030

·       Indigenisation Gains Momentum at Amethi Plant

·       Modern AK-203 to Replace INSAS as Frontline Weapon

·       Strategic Indo-Russian Partnership Eyes Global Market

In a significant stride for India's defence manufacturing, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), the joint venture behind the production of the AK-203 assault rifles, is set to deliver all 6.01 lakh units to the Indian armed forces nearly two years ahead of schedule. This milestone underlines both the success of the Make in India initiative and the enduring strategic partnership between India and Russia in defence collaboration.

Accelerated Delivery Timeline and Ramp-Up Plans

Under a ₹5,200 crore contract signed to supply 6,01,427 AK-203 rifles by October 2032, IRRPL now aims to complete all deliveries by December 2030—ahead by 22 months. Major General S.K. Sharma, CEO and Managing Director of IRRPL, shared that about 48,000 rifles have already been delivered. Another 7,000 will be dispatched within the coming weeks, with 15,000 more expected by the end of 2025.

The production rate will significantly scale up starting 2026, with monthly outputs projected to reach 12,000 rifles. This will enable the company to fulfill its entire order well before the contractual deadline.

AK-203: Modern Firepower for the Frontlines

The AK-203, a modernized version of the iconic Kalashnikov series, is set to replace the Indian-made INSAS rifles. Branded 'Sher' in India, it will become the primary assault weapon for soldiers deployed along sensitive frontiers, including the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). With a lifespan of 15,000 rounds, the rifle is tailored for high-endurance combat operations.

To meet immediate operational needs, 70,000 units were initially imported. Full-scale domestic production soon followed, marking a significant leap in indigenous capability.

Indigenisation and Technological Sovereignty

The IRRPL facility, located in Korwa, Amethi, operates on 8.5 acres and is not part of the former ordnance factories. It currently employs over 260 personnel, including permanent Russian experts. Plans are underway to scale up the workforce to 537, 90% of whom will be local hires.

So far, 50% of the rifle’s components have been indigenised. By December 2025, the company aims to deliver the first fully indigenous AK-203, eventually ramping up production to 1.5 lakh rifles annually. At full capacity, the factory will produce 600 rifles per day—roughly one every 100 seconds.

The joint venture has received 100% Transfer of Technology (ToT) from Russia, enabling all testing and quality assurance processes to be conducted domestically. “Every rifle goes through 120 distinct manufacturing processes,” said Maj Gen Sharma, adding that 60 critical components now have alternate Indian sourcing.

Governance, Partnerships, and Future Expansion

IRRPL is governed by a board of directors comprising four Indian and four Russian representatives, reflecting its balanced ownership structure: 50.5% Indian and 49.5% Russian. The joint venture brings together Russian defence majors Rosoboronexport and Concern Kalashnikov with Indian entities Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL).

The venture is viewed as a strategic sibling of the BrahMos project and is already looking beyond the AK-203. Plans are in place to manufacture other Kalashnikov models and components under the same intergovernmental framework. According to Maj Gen Sharma, IRRPL aspires to rank among the world’s top five small arms manufacturers by 2032.

Exports to friendly nations are on the horizon, with the first order expected soon. “Nothing will affect the vendors irrespective of embargoes,” Sharma emphasized, highlighting the resilience and strategic insulation of the venture.

The Indo-Russian AK-203 project is more than a defence procurement program—it is a testament to deep-rooted strategic cooperation and a bold step toward technological self-reliance. By delivering rifles ahead of schedule, scaling up indigenous production, and expanding its global footprint, IRRPL is fast becoming a cornerstone of India’s modern military manufacturing ecosystem. As India eyes a leadership position in global small arms manufacturing, IRRPL's success is both a symbol and a signal: the nation is ready to lead with firepower forged at home.

(With agency inputs)