About AK-203 Rifle:
- It is a modern firearm originating from Russia, designed by the renowned engineer Mikhail Kalashnikov between 2007 and 2010.
- It is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, select fire assault rifle.
- It is a version of the AK-200 rifle chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge used in the Indian Army.
- The weapon has the traditional advantages of Kalashnikov assault rifles: reliability and ease of maintenance.
- These AK-203 rifles are produced in Indiausing proprietary Russian technologies and certified equipment, ensuring high product quality and adherence to specifications.
- It will be manufactured by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL).
- IRRPL is a joint venture between India and Russia, set up in 2019 to produce AK-203 rifles in the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh.
- The joint venture plans to ensure 100% localisation of the production of AK-203 rifles in India.
- India is the first country outside Russia which has started the production of the AK-200 series assault rifles.
- Features of AK-203 Rifle:
- Weighing 3.8 kg, this rifle measures between 880 and 940 mm in length with the stock extended, while its barrel is 415 mm long.
- Its mechanism is based on a gas-operated action with a rotating bolt, allowing a firing rate of approximately 700 rounds per minute.
- With an initial velocity of 715 m/s, the AK-203 offers an effective firing range between 400 and 800 meters, depending on sight adjustments.
- The weapon is fed by a 30-round detachable box magazine, although a 50-round quad-column magazine can also be used for increased capacity.
- It is equipped with adjustable iron sights, and picatinny rails allow the addition of various optical sighting systems.
Q1: What is Ugram?
‘Ugram’ is a state-of-the-art indigenous assault rifle. It has been developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a unit of DRDO, in collaboration with a private industry partner. It was developed in less than 100 days. It has been developed as per the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) of the army into consideration.
Source: Indo-Russian Joint Venture Delivers 35,000 AK-203 Rifles to Indian Army
Last updated on January, 2026
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