India has successfully manufactured its first AK-203 (Kalashnikov) assault rifle with entirely Indian components and materials, a move that reflects the progress of its efforts to localize defense industries and reduce dependence on imports.
Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), an India-Russia joint venture established in 2019 to manufacture AK-203 rifles in India under the "Make in India" initiative, announced the manufacturing and testing of its first fully indigenous rifle, named "Sher," at the company's factory in Korua, Amethi district.
Major General S.K. Sharma, CEO and Managing Director of IRRPL, said the production of the rifle represents a "moment of great pride" for the company, explaining that all of its components and materials are sourced from Indian industry.
Sharma added that the achievement is not limited to manufacturing some components of the rifle locally, but includes localizing the entire manufacturing process, considering this a practical application of the "India Self-Sufficient" initiative.
The first fully domestically produced rifle successfully passed shooting tests, including consecutive shooting tests, with the company describing the initial results as "very encouraging".
The company is currently preparing to produce the required number of fully locally made prototypes, which will be delivered to the Indian Army for testing during September 2026.
The local production of the AK-203 represents a new step in India’s efforts to enhance its capabilities in the field of small arms production, with increased reliance on local suppliers and industries in the manufacture of defense equipment.
