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AK-203 Rifles in the Works for Indian Army, UP Plant Reaches Testing Stage
Image for Representational Purposes only.The government announced on Monday that the Indo-Russian joint venture located in Korwa, Uttar Pradesh, is currently in the process of manufacturing and testing Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles for the Indian armed forces.
According to a written response by Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt to a question in Rajya Sabha, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL) has set up all the necessary facilities to initiate the production of indigenized assault rifles.
Mr Bhatt stated, ‘Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is a joint venture company established for indigenous production of AK-203 Rifles. IRRPL has established all facilities to commence production of indigenised assault rifles at Korwa, Uttar Pradesh.’
He added, ‘The rifles are currently under manufacturing and testing stage.’
Mr. Bhatt said that the indigenisation of AK-203 rifles will result in self-sufficiency regarding assault rifles for the Indian defence forces.
Among the indigenous defence projects mentioned by Mr. Bhatt are the 155mm Artillery Gun System ‘Dhanush’, the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the surface-to-air missile system ‘Akash’, the Main Battle Tank ‘Arjun’, the T-90 tank, the T-72 tank, the Cheetah helicopter, and the Advanced Light Helicopter Dornier Do-228.
According to Mr Bhatt, several policy initiatives have been implemented to promote indigenous design, development, and manufacturing of defence equipment within the country. The ultimate goal of these initiatives is to reduce the country's reliance on imports in the long term.