India Has Started Production Of Russian Kalashnikov AK-223 Serbu Rifle, It Can Be Exported To Other Countries

AK-203 assault rifle. (Source: Rosoboronexport)

JAKARTA - The Russian-India joint venture began production of the AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifle, with deliveries to the Indian army set to begin in the near future, Rosoboronexport press service said on Tuesday.

"The Korwa Armed Forces plant in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, has produced the first batch of Kalashnikov assault rifles with a caliber of 7.62 mm. The start of shipments to the Indian Army is expected soon," explained the press service quoting Rosoboronexport Director General Alexander Mikheev, launching TASS January 17.

"At the same time, the capacity of the plant allows to fully complement the personnel of other law enforcement agencies in India with AK-203 assault rifles, which have high adaptability, suitable for various operators," he explained.

"In addition, the joint venture will be able to export its products to third countries," he said.

According to the company's report, "joint venture plans to ensure 100 percent localization of the AK-203 rifle production in India. In the future, the company can also increase production and increase production facilities to produce advanced rifles based on a press service assault rifle platform citing Director General Rosoboronexport Alexander Mikheev.

"Russia and India are connected by a strong partnership. Military-technical cooperation between the two countries has resulted in the construction of a joint venture company Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited," said Rostec Director General Sergey Chemezov. "With the launch of the Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifle series production, quality, comfortable, and modern lightweight weaponry will begin to be used by Indian defense and law enforcement agencies. This model combines excellent ergonomics, adaptability to different shooters, and high performance characteristics, this is one of the best assault rifles in the world," he said.

Rosoboronexport noted that the AK-200 series assault rifle has maintained all its traditional advantages, "reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance." At the same time, they fully meet the requirements of the world's newest firearms in terms of ergonomics and the ability to install high-tech additional equipment."