India has made and successfully test-fired its first fully indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, called ‘Sher,’ at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) Korwa facility in Uttar Pradesh‘s Amethi.
The rifle uses 7.62×39mm ammunition and is based on the reliable Kalashnikov design. It can fire around 700 rounds a minute, has an effective range of up to 800 metres, and also uses a detachable magazine holding 30 rounds.
IRRPL says every part of this prototype—from major components to small parts, as well as the raw materials used to make them—has come from Indian industry. The AK-203 is not just assembled in India; it has been made using an entirely Indian supply chain, which is an important achievement for India’s defence-manufacturing sector and the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ programme.
1st fully Indian prototype
Major General SK Sharma, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of IRRPL, announced the news in a post. He wrote, “A moment of immense pride for all of us at Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd (IRRPL)! We have successfully produced and fired the first AK-203 (Sher) rifle made with 100% Indian components and input materials.”
Major said the achievement represented “true, end-to-end ‘100% Genuine Indigenisation’ of the rifle.”
The first prototype successfully underwent firing tests, including the burst firing. According to SK Sharma, the initial results are “extremely encouraging.” IRRPL is now preparing the required number of fully indigenised prototypes for formal trials by the Indian Army in September 2026.
Why AK-203 rifle is a big leap for defence sector
The AK-203 is a gas-operated assault rifle with a rotating-bolt mechanism. In other words, energy from the fired round operates the rifle’s action, ejects the used cartridge and loads the next round. The rotating bolt locks the firing chamber during firing and is a key part of the rifle’s operating system.
Its main characteristics include:
- Calibre: 7.62×39mm.
- Weight: Approximately 3.8 kg.
- Length: 690 mm with the butt folded and 930 mm with the butt extended.
- Rate of fire: Around 700 rounds per minute.
- Muzzle velocity: Approximately 715 metres per second.
- Effective range: Up to 800 metres, depending on sight settings and engagement conditions.
- Magazine: Detachable 30-round box magazine.
- Operating system: Gas-operated action with a rotating bolt.
The 7.62×39mm cartridge is an intermediate-calibre round widely associated with the Kalashnikov family. It offers performance for infantry engagements while allowing soldiers to carry and fire the weapon in a practical assault-rifle configuration.
The rifle’s folded butt reduces its overall length, making it easier to handle in confined spaces, vehicles and built-up areas. With the butt extended, it provides a longer configuration for more stable firing. Its modular rails can accommodate optical sights, aiming devices and other accessories, while its modern ergonomics are intended to improve handling compared with older-generation rifles.
AK-203 rifle’s stated rate of 700 rounds per minute describes the mechanical firing rate. In actual combat, soldiers generally use controlled single shots or short bursts depending on the situation, target distance, ammunition availability and the tactical requirement.
One rifle every 100 seconds
IRRPL plans to increase production to a rate of one AK-203 every 100 seconds. This would raise output at the Korwa facility and support the company’s plan to deliver approximately six lakh rifles to the Indian Army nearly one year earlier than originally scheduled.
Sharma said, “Very soon, IRRPL will be moving towards a production rate of one AK-203 (Sher) every 100 seconds.” He added that efforts in capacity enhancement, indigenisation and production optimisation were helping IRRPL “prepone the delivery timeline of the approximately 6 lakh rifles to the Indian Army by almost one year.”
The company is expected to manufacture more than 6,00,000 rifles under the India-Russia arrangement. These rifles are intended to strengthen the Army’s small-arms inventory and replace the older INSAS rifles that have served the Indian armed forces for several decades.
India-Russia joint venture
IRRPL was incorporated in 2019 under an India-Russia Inter-Governmental Agreement to manufacture AK-203 rifles for the Indian armed forces. Its facility is located at Korwa in Amethi district.
The company’s shareholders include:
- Indian side: Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL).
- Russian side: Rosoboronexport and Concern Kalashnikov.
The IRRPL Board of Directors has four representatives from India and four from Russia. The facility is being operationalised by a core Indian Army-led team headed by Major General SK Sharma, SM, VSM, as CEO and Managing Director.
From technology transfer to full indigenisation
The initial production programme involved Russian technology and progressively increasing Indian content. The latest prototype shows a transition from partial localisation to domestic sourcing. IRRPL said that the “100% Indian” claim covers not only the rifle’s visible and internal components but also the input materials used to make them. This distinction is important because a rifle assembled locally may still depend on imported raw materials or sub-components.
The Amethi-made ‘Sher’ is therefore presented as a demonstration of complete manufacturing capability within India. It also creates opportunities for Indian public-sector defence companies and small and medium-sized enterprises that supply parts, materials and manufacturing services.
What is its significance for the Indian Army
The AK-203 is expected to provide the Army with a modern assault rifle based on a platform known for its durability and reliability. Its automatic firing capability and compatibility with modern sights and accessories make it suitable for a range of infantry operations.
The rifle’s effective range will give soldiers the ability to engage targets at both close and medium distances, while its relatively compact dimensions to allow easier movement in difficult terrain and built-up areas.
‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in action
Major General Sharma also described the achievement as a proud moment for IRRPL, its partners, Indian defence public-sector companies, MSMEs and the wider defence industry. He added, “This is Aatmanirbhar Bharat in action.” If the Army trials are successful and production targets are achieved, the AK-203 Sher programme is likely to strengthen India’s infantry firepower while reducing dependence on imported rifle components and materials. It would also establish Amethi as an important centre for indigenous small-arms production in Uttar Pradesh.