News Brief
700 Rounds-Per-Minute Firepower: All You Need To Know About India-Made AK-203 ‘Sher’ Rifle
The Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifle. (Representational image).
The Indian armed forces will soon receive a fresh batch of AK-203 assault rifles, an upgraded Kalashnikov variant capable of firing 700 rounds per minute with an effective range of 800 metres, NDTV reported.
The AK-203 ‘Sher’ assault rifle, manufactured under an Indo-Russian joint venture in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, is set to become the Indian Army’s primary infantry weapon, replacing the ageing INSAS rifles.
Produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), the weapon is part of a Rs 5,200 crore contract to supply over 600,000 rifles by 2030.
Key Features and Capabilities
High Rate of Fire: The AK-203 fires at a rate of 700 rounds per minute, giving soldiers a rapid-response advantage in high-intensity engagements.
Effective Range: With an operational range of up to 800 metres, it bridges the gap between close-quarter and mid-range battlefield needs.
Ammunition and Magazine: It is chambered for the 7.62x39 mm cartridge and uses a 30-round detachable magazine, delivering greater stopping power than the 5.56x45 mm INSAS rifle.
Design Improvements: Weighing 3.8 kg, the AK-203 is lighter than the 4.15 kg INSAS. Its compact length, 705 mm without the buttstock, offers superior handling in tight combat zones.
Rugged and Reliable: Designed for high performance in extreme environments, the rifle inherits the Kalashnikov family’s hallmark reliability and ease of maintenance.
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The AK-203 project was launched after an intergovernmental agreement in 2019, with a total order for 601,427 rifles for the Indian Armed Forces at a contract value of approximately Rs 5,200 crore.
Manufacturing began at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi in early 2023.
As of mid-2025, over 48,000 units have been delivered, with an additional 22,000 expected by the end of the year. Deliveries are targeted to conclude by December 2030.
Monthly output is set to reach 12,000 rifles from 2026, targeting completion of all deliveries by December 2030, two years ahead of contractual deadlines.
The production line is progressively being indigenised, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Operational Role
The AK-203 ‘Sher’ is built for frontline deployment, especially along critical zones such as the Line of Control and Line of Actual Control.
Optimised for counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, it offers enhanced mobility, lethality, and ergonomics.
This next-generation rifle marks a key shift in India’s infantry capability, delivering modern firepower through international collaboration and indigenous manufacturing strength.
