INDO-RUSSIAN RIFLES PRIVATE LIMITED (IRRPL)

India and Russia have shared strong bonds in the defence sector for a long time. These bonds have been further strengthened by the formation of M/s IRRPL under a Joint Venture (JV) for manufacture of  AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Armed Forces. In the near future, the JV envisions being the leading small arms manufacturer in South and South East Asia and provide the entire range of small arms to friendly foreign countries

Historically, Russia and India share a very  unique and close relationship. These bonds of friendship are rooted in history, shared trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. These bonds have been further strengthened by the formation of M/s IRRPL under a Joint Venture (JV) for manufacture of AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Armed Forces. The JV was incorporated on 25 Feb 2019 under an Inter Governmental Agreement (IGA). Over 6,00,000

AK-203 assault rifles will be produced for India Army, Navy and Air Force over ten years at Korwa, Amethi District (Uttar Pradesh). The JV will absorb technology to manufacture AK-203 assault rifles over approximately three years and thereafter 100% rifles will be produced in India. This will give a fillip to MSMEs in Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor and thereby realise the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.

IRRPL has its shareholders  on the Russian side (Rosoboronexport and Concern Kalashnikov) with 49.5% and the Indian side (Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL)) with 50.5%. The Board of Directors of IRRPL comprises four Directors from Russia (one from Rosoboronexport and three from Concern Kalashnikov) and four from India (Two from AWEIL, one from MIL and one from the Indian Army). IRRPL was raised by Maj Gen Sanjeev Sengar, AVSM (CEO) in early 2019 and is on its way to produce the world famous AK series of assault rifles.

AK-203 assault rifle is the latest and most lethal rifle from the stable of the world famous AK series of assault rifles. Officially known as Avtomat Kalashnikov, the family of these rifles was developed by the world famous Russian arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov in late 1940s. After more than eight decades, the AK series of assault rifles remain the most trusted, reliable and widely used world over. So much so that photo of AK rifle is found  on  the flag of Mozambique and the former coat of arms of Burkina Faso.

AK-203 assault rifle is a gas operated, rotating bolt, magazine fed, select fire assault rifle designed to chamber 7.62 x 39 mm cartridge. AK-203 assault rifle has augmented combat and tactical capabilities which accords it an enhanced fire accuracy and barrel life span. It has a folding butt, picatinny rails on its top and lower portion to install a wide range of tactical equipment like Day and Night Vision Devices, Reflex Sights, Holographic Sights, Iron Sights, Under Barrel Grenade Launcher, Red Dot Designator I Laser Aiming Modules, Flash Tactical Light, Bipods, Slings, Bayonets, Front Pistol Grip, etc.

The rifle also incorporates some unique features like a finger tab which enables changeover of the fire selector switch between the firing states of Safe, Single Shot and Automatic without removing the master hand from the pistol grip. It has a locking mechanism on the receiver cover top which is user friendly and ergonomic. Coming from the AK stables, the rifle needs minimum maintenance. Nevertheless, the maintenance tools provided with each rifle (in a small cylindrical container) can be stored in the butt of the rifle. Alternatively pistol grip (as individual items) along with oil for the rifle.

The flash suppressor is serrated type and substantially reduces the blast and flash of the rifle. It also contributes to the enhanced accuracy of the rifle by reducing the throw off which was experienced in the AK-47 rifles and for which the compensator had to be used. Further, the three point sling of the AK-203 assault rifles is of a very superior quality. It can be adjusted according to the firersrequirement, is partly stretchable (enabling the firer better rifle movement) and comfortable carriage by a soldier.

All in all, it can be stated with justifiable pride that the JV will produce a state of the art assault rifle completely in India. This will provide optimum fire power to our soldiers and spur the Indian industry into Research and Development of small arms and manufacture of all parts/assemblies/components of the entire family of small arms. In the near future, the JV envisions being the leading small arms manufacturer in South and South East Asia and provide the entire range of small arms to friendly foreign countries.