INDIA/RUSSIA: Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Russia’s Rosoboronexport, claims that by the end of this year, the serial production of AK-203 assault rifles will begin in Uttar Pradesh, India. This will lead to a major boost in India’s domestic defence production.
India and Russia inked an intergovernmental agreement in 2019 to establish Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, a joint venture to produce the AK-203 assault rifles. The Russian state-owned enterprise co-founded the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited.
The AK203 is an enhanced version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle family, whose first member was the AK-47.
The Russian-made Kalashnikov assault rifles will be produced at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in the Amethi area by the Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited.
Mikheev stated, “The Korwa Ordnance Factory is ready to start manufacturing Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles by the end of 2022. Our ambitions include 100% localization of the production of iconic Russian assault guns in India,” he added.
The project, which was unveiled by the Russian President and Indian Prime Minister Modi, seeks to manufacture millions of these guns that will eventually be a necessary component of the Indian security forces.
The massive DefExpo, which will open in Gujarat on October 18th, will feature Rosoboronexport, the state agency for exports and imports of defence products from Russia.
The 12th edition of the twice-yearly DefExpo is taking place from October 18 to 22 in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Live demonstrations displaying the tools and expertise of the armed forces, DPSUs, and industry will be held during this time.
The 12th DefExpo’s theme, “Path to Pride,” is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of making India a powerful and independent country by promoting, showcasing, and creating partnerships for the country’s aerospace and defence manufacturing industries with domestic as well as international clients.
The production and delivery of AK-203 for the Indian armed forces and other law enforcement agencies will be discussed during the exhibition, according to a statement from Rosoboronexport.
The statement said, “In addition, the firm will present a wide variety of extra-sophisticated equipment developed both for customising the assault weapon itself and for outfitting people.”
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