Indian Army to receive Amethi-made AK-203 rifles under Rs 5,200 crore deal

Srinagar, July 18: The Indian armed forces are set to receive a fresh consignment of AK-203 assault rifles—an advanced version of the iconic Kalashnikov series capable of firing 700 rounds per minute with an effective range of up to 800 metres.

The rifles are being produced domestically in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture established under a ₹5,200 crore contract to deliver over six lakh units. The Indian variant is named ‘Sher’.

According to IRRPL chief Maj Gen SK Sharma, approximately 48,000 rifles have already been delivered. An additional 7,000 units will be supplied in the coming weeks, with 15,000 more expected by December this year. Full delivery is targeted for completion by December 2030.
The rifle, designed to enhance Indian forces' operational effectiveness in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, weighs about 3.8 kg, while the INSAS weighs 4.15 kg.

The 'Sher' rifles are 705 mm long without a buttstock, while INSAS rifles are 960 mm long.
They will become the primary assault rifle for soldiers deployed along the northern and western borders, including the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control.