India achieves 100% domestic production of AK-203 assault rifles

India has achieved a milestone in domestic defense production by successfully test-firing the first AK-203 ‘Sher’ assault rifle manufactured entirely with locally sourced components and materials. Produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) at its facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, the rifle represents a shift from phased localization to end-to-end domestic manufacturing.

The AK-203, a Russian-designed Kalashnikov pattern weapon, is intended to replace the aging Indian National Small Arms System (INSAS) rifles within the Indian Army. This transition aims to address reliability issues previously noted in high-altitude conditions. The program is a key part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, designed to reduce the nation's dependence on imported military hardware and strengthen the domestic small-arms supply chain.

IRRPL is currently producing additional prototypes for Indian Army trials. Furthermore, the localization efforts extend to ammunition, with Adani Defence & Aerospace signing a five-year agreement to supply domestically manufactured 7.62×39 mm rounds for the program.