The AK-47 203 rifles will replace Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56mm x 45mm assault rifle. Credit: tprzem from Pixabay.

India and Russia are set to finalise a deal for AK-47 203 rifles, which will replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56mm × 45mm assault rifle.

The deal will be finalised during Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s ongoing visit to Moscow, reported Russian news agency Sputnik.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Indian Army has a requirement of around 770,000 AK-203 rifles. Around 100,000 units will be imported from Russia, while the remaining equipment will be manufactured locally.

The rifles will be manufactured in India by a joint venture (JV) called Indo-Russia Rifles (IRPL).

India’s Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) will hold a 50.5% stake in the company, while the Kalashnikov Concern and Russian state agency for military exports Rosoboronexport will have 42% and 7.5% interests respectively.

The rifles will be manufactured at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

The Indian Armed Forces are expected to use the weapons for counter-terrorism operations.

The INSAS 5.56mm × 45mm assault rifle has been used by the armed forces since 1996. However, the weapon is being replaced after complaints of jamming and magazine cracking at higher altitudes.

Notably, India is engaged in a military standoff with China in the Ladakh region. This has led to the mobilisation of troops and equipment build-up across the line of actual control (LAC) by both armies.

India has also accelerated investments in the defence sector to enhance capabilities.

The government recently signed contracts for Pinaka missile systems for the army.