India-Russia Joint Production of AK 203 Rifles
India and Russia have initiated a partnership to produce AK 203 rifles. This is being carried out in a factory located in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. A pact for the procurement of 6,01,427 AK 203 assault rifles was signed between the two countries in December 2021. The production will take place through the Korwa Ordnance Factory.
Understanding the Key Points of the Joint Contract
The collaboration between India and Russia will see the manufacture of over six lakh rifles in India. This venture is known as ‘Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited’. It is a partnership involving the Indian Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), Kalashnikov Concern, and Rosoboronexport. Both of these are subsidiaries of the Rostec State Corporation.
The deal, valued at Rs 5,124 crore, signifies one of the largest defense contracts between the two nations in recent history. One of the essential clauses of the deal pertains to a complete technology transfer. In lieu of this, rifles made with 100% indigenous components will be produced over a span of 128 months.
Beyond local supply, the rifles will also be exported to nations deemed friendly.
The Significance of the AK 203 Rifle
AK-203 is the most recent and advanced version of the iconic AK-47 rifle. Falling under the AK-100 rifle family, it offers the AK-74M system in multiple cartridges and lengths. Its primary use will be to replace the current Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45 mm assault rifle used by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Notably, the INSAS rifles have proven unsuitable for use at high altitudes due to numerous issues including frequent jamming and oil leakage.
The Indo-Russian Defense and Security Relationship
The military-technical cooperation between India and Russia has grown from a straightforward buyer-seller relationship to involving joint research, development, and production of advanced defense technologies. Regular Tri-Services exercises such as ‘INDRA’ are conducted between the two countries.
Joint programs by the nations include the BrahMos cruise missile program, 5th-generation fighter jet program, Sukhoi Su-30MKI program, Ilyushin/HAL Tactical Transport Aircraft, and KA-226T twin-engine utility helicopters.
India-Russia Military Hardware
India’s purchase/lease of military hardware from Russia includes S-400 Triumf system, Kamov Ka-226 (with 200 set to be made in India under the Make in India initiative), T-90S Bhishma, and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier program.
In terms of aiding the Indian Navy, Russia plays a significant role. It helped with the deployment of the first Indian submarine, ‘Foxtrot Class,’ and provides assistance for the Indian nuclear submarine program. The sole aircraft carrier operated by the Indian Navy, INS Vikramaditya, also has its origins in Russia.
