# India AK-203 Sher rifle production

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-ak-203-sher-rifle-production
> Updated: 2026-09-07T07:56:07.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 4.

The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) joint venture in Amethi has reached key milestones in the production of the indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, designated ‘Sher’. 

Initially, the Korwa factory successfully produced the first 100% indigenous version of the rifle, which is intended to replace the Indian Army’s INSAS rifles. This ‘Sher’ model is reportedly made entirely from Indian-sourced materials and components. Following the initial production, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that the rifle has successfully completed firing trials at the IRRPL facility. 

This achievement marks a transition from phased localization to end-to-end domestic manufacturing. The AK-203, a Russian-designed Kalashnikov pattern weapon, is expected to address reliability issues associated with the aging INSAS rifles in high-altitude conditions. As part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, IRRPL is currently producing additional prototypes for Indian Army trials.

To support the programme, Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a five-year agreement with IRRPL to supply indigenous 7.62x39 mm small-calibre ammunition. This pact is designed to create an integrated domestic supply chain, connecting rifle manufacturing with ammunition production to ensure continuity of availability. 

Established in 2019 through an India-Russia intergovernmental agreement, the IRRPL facility in Korwa is part of a broader effort to increase domestic defense manufacturing. The Ministry of Defence previously contracted IRRPL in December 2021 for the production of over 600,000 AK-203 rifles.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-07: India achieves 100% domestic production of AK-203 assault rifles

India has successfully test-fired the first AK-203 ‘Sher’ assault rifle made with 100% locally sourced components, marking a major step in its ‘Make in India’ defense initiative.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-achieves-100-domestic-production-of-ak-203-assault-rifles

### 2026-09-05: Adani Defence signs five-year ammunition pact for AK-203 programme

Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a five-year pact with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited to supply indigenous ammunition for India's AK-203 assault rifle programme.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adani-defence-signs-five-year-ammunition-pact-for-ak-203-programme

### 2026-08-26: AK-203 ‘Sher’ rifle completes firing trials in Amethi

The indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ rifle has successfully completed firing trials at the IRRPL facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, marking progress in India's defense manufacturing self-reliance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ak-203-sher-rifle-completes-firing-trials-in-amethi

### 2026-08-24: Amethi factory produces first indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ rifle

India has successfully tested the ‘Sher’, a 100% indigenous AK-203 assault rifle produced in Amethi, intended to replace INSAS rifles in the Indian Army.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/amethi-factory-produces-first-indigenous-ak-203-sher-rifle

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Cite as: India AK-203 Sher rifle production. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-ak-203-sher-rifle-production