India produces first fully domestically made AK-203 rifle

Monday 24 August 2026 - 19:33

By: Azzat Manal

India produces first fully domestically made AK-203 rifle

India has reached a new milestone in its efforts to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing with the production of its first AK-203 assault rifle made entirely from Indian-sourced components and materials.

The rifle was manufactured and tested by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), the joint venture established by India and Russia to produce AK-203 rifles in the country under the “Make in India” initiative. The weapon, reportedly named “Sher,” was produced at the company’s facility in Korwa, in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district.

According to IRRPL chief executive and managing director Major General S. K. Sharma, the achievement represents an important step for the company because the rifle was produced using materials and components sourced entirely from Indian industry. The project therefore goes beyond assembling imported parts and reflects a broader effort to establish a fully localized manufacturing chain.

The first domestically produced rifle has already undergone firing trials, including sustained-fire testing. The company described the initial results as encouraging and is now preparing additional locally manufactured prototypes for further evaluation.

The prototypes are expected to be delivered to the Indian Army for trials in September 2026. These evaluations will help determine whether the domestically manufactured rifles meet the operational and technical requirements of the armed forces.

The AK-203 is based on the Russian Kalashnikov design and has been selected by India as part of efforts to modernize its stock of small arms. Production in India is being carried out through the Indo-Russian partnership, which was created to expand local manufacturing capabilities while maintaining cooperation with Russia in the defence sector.

The achievement also fits into New Delhi’s wider strategy of reducing its dependence on imported military equipment. Over recent years, the Indian government has encouraged defence companies to increase the use of domestic suppliers, develop local technologies and expand production capacity inside the country.

For the Indian defence industry, the localization of the AK-203 production process could therefore have significance beyond the rifle itself. Developing domestic expertise in precision manufacturing, materials and defence supply chains can contribute to the broader development of the country’s military-industrial sector.

The project also highlights the evolving nature of India-Russia defence cooperation, combining Russian-origin technology with India’s growing manufacturing capabilities. If the upcoming army trials are successful, the programme could mark another step toward greater domestic production of small arms for India’s armed forces.