Synopsis
The Indo-Russian venture, Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd, is set to supply AK-203 assault rifles to Kerala Police, marking a significant milestone in the domestic production of advanced weaponry in India.Key Takeaways
- Kerala Police may soon receive AK-203 assault rifles.
- The IRRPL is a joint venture involving Indian and Russian entities.
- The AK-203 is tailored for the 7.62×39 mm cartridge.
- This production supports the 'Make In India' initiative.
- Future exports to other nations are anticipated.
New Delhi, April 15 (NationPress) Kerala Police may soon be the second Indian security agency to receive locally manufactured Kalashnikov assault rifles. This follows the announcement by the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture, regarding its participation in a tender for the supply of AK-203 assault rifles to the local police.
The IRRPL, a collaboration between Indian DPSUs, Concern Kalashnikov, and Rosoboronexport from Russia, operates an assault rifle manufacturing facility in Korwa, located in Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district. This facility has been producing the AK-203 assault rifle, part of the renowned Kalashnikov family.
According to Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev, "The capabilities of the Korwa Ordnance Factory enable the supply of AK-203 assault rifles to personnel within the Ministry of Defence and various law enforcement agencies in India. Their high adaptability makes them suitable for diverse operators. Furthermore, the joint venture anticipates future exports to other nations."
The Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifle is designed for the Indian Army's replacement cartridge, 7.62×39 mm, and boasts the trademark advantages of Kalashnikov rifles: reliability and ease of maintenance.
This rifle is manufactured in India utilizing exclusive Russian technology on certified equipment, guaranteeing high product quality and adherence to specified characteristics. This endeavor aligns with the principles of the 'Make In India' initiative and the concept of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', advocating for a self-reliant India.
The Russian stakeholders in IRRPL include Rosoboronexport and the Kalashnikov Concern from the Rostec State Corporation.
In March 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Amethi to inaugurate the Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd joint venture for the production of Kalashnikov assault rifles.
During the event, which was addressed by the then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked that "the new joint venture will produce the globally recognized Kalashnikov assault rifles of the latest 200 series and will ultimately achieve full localization of production. This will empower the Indian defense industry to meet the requirements of national security agencies for small arms, relying on advanced Russian technology."
In his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to President Putin for this collaboration, stating that numerous rifles would be produced at the facility in Amethi, bolstering the capabilities of Indian security forces.
He highlighted that this advancement in rifle production for soldiers was long overdue, representing an injustice to the troops. PM Modi recalled that despite requests for bulletproof jackets dating back to 2009, no procurement occurred until 2014. The requirement was ultimately met by the government under his leadership.
