Media Report: India, Russia finalize AK-47 203 rifles deal
After Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh’s Russia visit, the Russian media has officially reported that India and Russia have finalized a major deal for the manufacturing of AK-47 rifle in India.
The AK-47 203 is the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle, which will replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56x45 mm assault rifle.
The report said that the Indian Army has a requirement for around 770,000 AK-47 203 rifles, of which 100,000 will be imported and the rest will be manufactured in India.
These rifles will be manufactured in India as part of the joint venture Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), established between the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the Kalashnikov Concern and Rosoboronexport.
The 7.62×39 mm Russian weapon will be produced at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Uttar Pradesh, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year.
According to the sources, the cost of per rifle is expected to be around USD 1,100, including the cost of technology transfer and of setting up the manufacturing unit.
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They also stated that the INSAS, which is in use since 1996, has developed some issues such as jamming and magazine cracking at higher altitudes in the Himalayas.
-PTC News
