New Assault Rifles for Indian Army

Which Contender`s Rifle has more chances of winning than others?


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Lonewarrior

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Kal tak to ye MoD waalon ko bas 72 hazaar rifles ke liye bhi ek bharosewaala company chahiye tha
Indian Private Arms manufacturer who have made significant developments in this field.
Aur aaj 6.5 laakh rifles ke liye bhosdiwaala company chun baithi 🤣
and opt for SSS Defence's upcoming 7.62mm Ak type Rifle
Ya Khuda
 

WolfPack86

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ARMY TO GET 5,000 AK-203 RIFLES BY MARCH 2023 SAYS GEN. MANOJ PANDE; PLAN IS TO PRODUCE 6,00,000 UNITS
In a telling commentary of the rapid infusion of technology and modernization of its weaponry, about 44 per cent of the Indian Army’s weapon systems will be ‘state-of-the-art’ by 2030—a 29-32 per cent jump from now.

Indian Army’s chief General Manoj Pande said: “In any force at any point of time, you will have ‘vintage’ equipment, another set will be ‘current’ and the third will be ‘state-of-art.’ In our current profile, as it stands today, I would say it is about 45 per cent ‘vintage’, 41 per cent ‘current’ and 12-15 per cent ‘state-of-the-art'.”

“But by 2030, because of the modernization plan, we will reach a figure of close to 35 per cent ‘current’ and 44 per cent ‘state-of-the-art.’ That is what introduction of technology including the introduction of niche technology will achieve,” the chief of 12-lakh strong Indian Army added.

This year is being looked upon as the year of transformation for the Indian Army.

General Pande was responding to media queries during the customary press conference in New Delhi before the Army Day event commences in Bangalore on Sunday.

One reason for the rapid technology infusion and modernisation that has really picked up at a blistering pace in the past two years is the increasing assertiveness by China particularly on the Line of Actual Control which is the de facto border.

China’s belligerence caused bloody fisticuffs between the soldiers of the two sides that resulted in several deaths.

On the border, Gen Pande said, “Though unpredictable, the situation at the northern borders is stable and under control. We have been able to resolve five of the seven issues on the table in the talk as our preparedness is of a very high level and we have enough reserves to deal with any contingency.”

On the plan to mass produce the cutting-edge AK-203 rifle, Gen Pande said by March 2023, about 5,000 AK-203 rifles will be produced.

The AK-203 is being produced in a factory at Korwa, in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi, by the Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL). It is a collaborative affair between the state-run Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which will invest 50.5 per cent with the Kalashnikov Concern, and Rosoboronexport contributing 42 per cent and 7.5 per cent respectively.

While the plan is to produce a total of 6,00,000 AK-203 rifles for the Indian Army in 128 months or slightly more than 10 years, about 70,000 will be produced in the next 32 months where the indigenous content will be up to 70 per cent. And after this tranche of 70,000, each AK-203 rifle produced will be 100 per cent indigenous, the Army chief elaborated.
 

SilentlAssassin265

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ARMY TO GET 5,000 AK-203 RIFLES BY MARCH 2023 SAYS GEN. MANOJ PANDE; PLAN IS TO PRODUCE 6,00,000 UNITS
In a telling commentary of the rapid infusion of technology and modernization of its weaponry, about 44 per cent of the Indian Army’s weapon systems will be ‘state-of-the-art’ by 2030—a 29-32 per cent jump from now.

Indian Army’s chief General Manoj Pande said: “In any force at any point of time, you will have ‘vintage’ equipment, another set will be ‘current’ and the third will be ‘state-of-art.’ In our current profile, as it stands today, I would say it is about 45 per cent ‘vintage’, 41 per cent ‘current’ and 12-15 per cent ‘state-of-the-art'.”

“But by 2030, because of the modernization plan, we will reach a figure of close to 35 per cent ‘current’ and 44 per cent ‘state-of-the-art.’ That is what introduction of technology including the introduction of niche technology will achieve,” the chief of 12-lakh strong Indian Army added.

This year is being looked upon as the year of transformation for the Indian Army.

General Pande was responding to media queries during the customary press conference in New Delhi before the Army Day event commences in Bangalore on Sunday.

One reason for the rapid technology infusion and modernisation that has really picked up at a blistering pace in the past two years is the increasing assertiveness by China particularly on the Line of Actual Control which is the de facto border.

China’s belligerence caused bloody fisticuffs between the soldiers of the two sides that resulted in several deaths.

On the border, Gen Pande said, “Though unpredictable, the situation at the northern borders is stable and under control. We have been able to resolve five of the seven issues on the table in the talk as our preparedness is of a very high level and we have enough reserves to deal with any contingency.”

On the plan to mass produce the cutting-edge AK-203 rifle, Gen Pande said by March 2023, about 5,000 AK-203 rifles will be produced.

The AK-203 is being produced in a factory at Korwa, in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi, by the Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL). It is a collaborative affair between the state-run Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), which will invest 50.5 per cent with the Kalashnikov Concern, and Rosoboronexport contributing 42 per cent and 7.5 per cent respectively.

While the plan is to produce a total of 6,00,000 AK-203 rifles for the Indian Army in 128 months or slightly more than 10 years, about 70,000 will be produced in the next 32 months where the indigenous content will be up to 70 per cent. And after this tranche of 70,000, each AK-203 rifle produced will be 100 per cent indigenous, the Army chief elaborated.
US delivered 72k sigs in just 1.5 years, why it will take almost 3 years here?
 

WolfPack86

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Army Chief says focus on indigenous military tech; first batch of AK-203 assault rifle delivery by March
The Indian Army is focusing on indigenous military technologies said Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande on Thursday replying to Financial Express Online while addressing media ahead of the Army Day on January 15. He added that the Army will receive the first batch of AK-203 assault rifle delivery by March 2023.

Gen Pande highlighted that the Indian Army is encouraging projects for niche/advanced military technologies through indigenous development, “leveraging niche technologies is extremely important, considering the potential that we have in the country.”

Niche military technologies
According to him, the Army has made a single point contact, a nodal agency at the army headquarter – The Army Design Bureau (ADB) for addressing the niche [military] technologies.

“Technologies are also being encouraged through iDEX which is launched by the Ministry of Defence. The Army has started 10 projects under the iDEX,” he added.

Highlighting the thrust for research and development the Army Chief pointed out the growing engagement with leading universities including Army Cell in the IITs. “We will use our Emergency Procurement to encourage such innovations; will evaluate and put them on trails in the field,” General Pande explained.

He also emphasized developing futuristic autonomous aerial systems and space-based capability through aatmanirbhata.

Recently, The Indian army has placed orders for 2,000 drones, some of which will be used for taking vital supplies to the higher altitude post. Some of the drones will be used for surveillance and reconnaissance work in high-altitude areas in Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh and other key strategic posts.

The AK-203 assault rifle delivery timeline
The Army Chief also spoke about the production timeline of the AK-203 assault rifle which is delayed, “Out of the 6 lakh plus AK -203 assault rifles, we will receive the 70,000 within 32 months, he said. The indigenous content in these will be from the range of 5 -17 percent. Rest will be 100 percent indigenous.”

In 2019, India and Russia signed an intergovernmental agreement for setting up Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited– a joint venture to manufacture the AK-203 assault rifles. The project was announced by Indian PM Modi to produce new generation assault rifles for the Indian Armed Forces which will replace the existing Indian Small Arms System (INSAS).

The Army will get the first batch of 5000 AK-203 by March. Army Chief added: “we will meet the timeline as we go along.”

The Indian Army chief also emphasised the infrastructure development carried out along the LAC comprising roads, bridges, and tunnels.
 

WolfPack86

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Indo-Russian joint venture begins manufacturing AK-203 assault rifles in U.P.
The joint venture between India and Russia, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited, has started producing AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh, according to Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport of Russia. Last week, Army Chief Gen. Manoj Pande said that the first batch of 5,000 rifles would be delivered to the Army by March.


“Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, has produced the first batch of 7.62 mm Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles. The beginning of deliveries to the Indian Army is expected soon,” Mr. Mikheev said in statement issued by Rosoboronexport on Tuesday.

At the same time, the factory’s capacity makes it possible to fully equip the personnel of other law enforcement agencies in India with AK-203 assault rifles, which, due to their high adaptability, are suitable for various operators, he stated adding that in addition, the joint venture will be able to export to third countries.

With the launch of series production of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles, high-quality, convenient and modern small arms will begin to enter service with India’s defense and law enforcement agencies, said said Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostec. “The model combines excellent ergonomics, adaptability to different shooters and high performance characteristics, it is one of the best assault rifles in the world,” he added.

100% localisation of AK-203 production in India
The joint venture plans to ensure 100% localisation of the production of AK-203 rifles in India and in future may also increase output and upgrade its production facilities to manufacture advanced rifles based on the Kalashnikov assault rifle platform, the statement added.

The IRRPL was set up in 2019 jointly between with erstwhile OFB [now Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL)] of India and Rosoboronexport (RoE) and concern Kalashnikov of Russia.

As reported by The Hindu earlier, the full-scale production of the rifles is expected to be reached within 2-3 years. As per contractual terms, the first 70,000 AK-203 rifles will be produced in India with a phased increase in the extent of localization from 5% to 70%. The remaining rifles will be produced with 100% localization.








Indo-Russian joint venture starts manufacturing Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles for Indian Army. Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostec and Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport comfirm.




JUST IN: Manufacture of Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles begins at India-Russia JV facility in Amethi, UP, to meet requirement of 6.7 lakh rifles for the Indian Army.
 

WolfPack86

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First Batch of Made In India AK-203 Rifles For Indian Army Ready
The India-Russia joint venture to produce AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Armed Forces has produced the first batch of rifles for the Indian Army. This was announced by Rosoboronexport on January 17. The Indian Army has a requirement for about 671,000 rifles.

The joint venture, named Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), is between India’s Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Rostec subsidiaries Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport of Russia.

The IRRPL facility at the Korwa Ordnance Factory was inaugurated by Prime minister Narendra Modi in March 2019. However, negotiations between India and Russia were slow. This led to 70,000 rifles being procured in a fast-track mode from Russia, primarily for the Indian Air Force. An agreement was signed in December 2021 for producing 601,427 rifles.

According to The Print, the initial batch of 5,000 rifles will have an indigenous content of 5% which will be increased to 70% when the first 70,000 rifles are manufactured in 32 months. The firm plans to ensure 100% localization of the production of AK-203 rifles in India with the transfer of technology as mandated by India.

Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, said in a statement:

“Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, has produced the first batch of 7.62 mm Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles. The beginning of deliveries to the Indian Army is expected soon. At the same time, the factory’s capacity makes it possible to fully equip the personnel of other law enforcement agencies in India with AK-203 assault rifles, which, due to their high adaptability, are suitable for various operators. In addition, the joint venture will be able to export its products to third countries.”
The AK-200-series assault rifles have retained all the advantages of the traditional AK pattern rifles; such as reliability, durability and ease of maintenance. However, this modern iteration has the ability to mount additional accessories such as advanced optics while also being more ergonomic. Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostec, said:

“Russia and India are linked by strong partnership relations. Military-technical cooperation between the two countries has resulted in the construction of the joint venture Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited. With the launch of series production of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles, high-quality, convenient and modern small arms will begin to enter service with India’s defense and law enforcement agencies. The model combines excellent ergonomics, adaptability to different shooters and high performance characteristics, it is one of the best assault rifles in the world.”
India is now the first foreign nation to start producing the AK-200 series assault rifles, in accordance with its Make in India initiative. Other rifles may also be manufactured by the venture in the future.
 

samsaptaka

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First Batch of Made In India AK-203 Rifles For Indian Army Ready
The India-Russia joint venture to produce AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Armed Forces has produced the first batch of rifles for the Indian Army. This was announced by Rosoboronexport on January 17. The Indian Army has a requirement for about 671,000 rifles.

The joint venture, named Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), is between India’s Advanced Weapons & Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Rostec subsidiaries Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport of Russia.

The IRRPL facility at the Korwa Ordnance Factory was inaugurated by Prime minister Narendra Modi in March 2019. However, negotiations between India and Russia were slow. This led to 70,000 rifles being procured in a fast-track mode from Russia, primarily for the Indian Air Force. An agreement was signed in December 2021 for producing 601,427 rifles.

According to The Print, the initial batch of 5,000 rifles will have an indigenous content of 5% which will be increased to 70% when the first 70,000 rifles are manufactured in 32 months. The firm plans to ensure 100% localization of the production of AK-203 rifles in India with the transfer of technology as mandated by India.

Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, said in a statement:


The AK-200-series assault rifles have retained all the advantages of the traditional AK pattern rifles; such as reliability, durability and ease of maintenance. However, this modern iteration has the ability to mount additional accessories such as advanced optics while also being more ergonomic. Sergey Chemezov, General Director of Rostec, said:


India is now the first foreign nation to start producing the AK-200 series assault rifles, in accordance with its Make in India initiative. Other rifles may also be manufactured by the venture in the future.
One of the worst news I have heard. Babudom wins, die local MIC !
 

WolfPack86

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AK-203 RIFLES IN MANUFACTURING, TESTING STAGE: GOVT ON KORWA PLANT
Army soldiers will now finally get modern assault rifles in bulk. The long-pending project to manufacture over six lakh AK-203 Kalashnikov rifles at the Korwa ordnance factory in Amethi district of UP has kicked off.

Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles for Indian armed forces are currently under manufacturing and testing stage at an Indo-Russian joint venture at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh, the government said on Monday. Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, said the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL) has established all facilities to commence production of the indigenised assault rifles.

"Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is a joint venture company established for indigenous production of AK-203 Rifles. IRRPL has established all facilities to commence production of indigenised assault rifles at Korwa, Uttar Pradesh," Bhatt said.

"The rifles are currently under manufacturing and testing stage," he said.

Bhatt said indigenisation of AK-203 rifles will lead to self sufficiency in respect of assault rifles for Indian defence forces.

The indigenous defence projects listed by Bhatt included 155mm Artillery Gun system 'Dhanush'', Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, surface-to air missile system 'Akash', main battle tank 'Arjun', T-90 tank, T-72 tank, Cheetah helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter Dornier Do-228.

Bhatt said various policy initiatives to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country are aimed at reducing dependency on imports in the long run.

"The expenditure on defence procurement from foreign sources has reduced from 46 per cent of overall expenditure in 2018-19 to 36.7 per cent as per data till December, 2022," he said.

Replying to a question on the cost of procurement of Indian Air Force One aeroplanes, he said it cannot be disclosed.

"No information in this matter can be disclosed," Bhatt said.

To a separate question, he said India regularly interacts with friendly foreign countries (FFCs) to enhance defence industrial cooperation.

"The defence industrial cooperation with FFCs aims at development of new technologies, Research & Development, co-development and co-production, promotion of defence exports, establishment of joint-ventures, integration of Indian MSMEs and start-ups in global supply chain," he said.
 
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tomthounaojam

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Not a fan of the Ak-203s but glad that the Army will now have standard 7.62x39 rifles. Now, the question is what the Army is going to do with the legacy AKs and INSAS rifles?
 

Lonewarrior

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Not a fan of the Ak-203s but glad that the Army will now have standard 7.62x39 rifles. Now, the question is what the Army is going to do with the legacy AKs and INSAS rifles?
Legacy AKs were never used by regular Army, it was almost always used by units like RR and SFs. Given how easily they can get hands on after market kits, sooner or later they'll kit up their AKs to be better than AK-203s. And it's something that has happened for a quite a long time because of local distribution of Fab Defence kits.

Now coming to INSAS; many things are going to happen. A major chunk of it will get cosmolined for reserve forces. Some will get destroyed. It will replace the SMLEs and SLRs in police and guard duties. Some distributor from US can also buy like they did with SMLEs.
 

Flying Dagger

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Not a fan of the Ak-203s but glad that the Army will now have standard 7.62x39 rifles. Now, the question is what the Army is going to do with the legacy AKs and INSAS rifles?
Legacy AKs will be used till they last. It will take a decade plus for army to have AK-203 for all.

In the meantime let's hope a decent AR-15 based simple carbine makes it way to the hand of army personnel.

INSAS is being transferred to state police etc.
 

tomthounaojam

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Legacy AKs were never used by regular Army, it was almost always used by units like RR and SFs. Given how easily they can get hands on after market kits, sooner or later they'll kit up their AKs to be better than AK-203s. And it's something that has happened for a quite a long time because of local distribution of Fab Defence kits.

Now coming to INSAS; many things are going to happen. A major chunk of it will get cosmolined for reserve forces. Some will get destroyed. It will replace the SMLEs and SLRs in police and guard duties. Some distributor from US can also buy like they did with SMLEs.
I beg to differ that Indian Army never used AK, have seen other than RR and SF use AKs, however, keeping that aside. I am more into the after-market concept like you stated, there must be quite a lot of Aks, which were bought from different countries during the 90s. These AKs can have a unified modernization program and can serve for a few more years. Would have given local private companies some lucrative business as well. Ak-203 isn't a quantum leap from the legacy AKs imho.
I doubt the INSAS will be available to the commercial market, guess it will be given to state police? Or, maybe donated to friendly countries which just need a weapon and are not in hostile neighborhoods. Yeah, I once saw Ian McCollum doing a video on the Ishapore rifle.
 

tomthounaojam

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Legacy AKs will be used till they last. It will take a decade plus for army to have AK-203 for all.

In the meantime let's hope a decent AR-15 based simple carbine makes it way to the hand of army personnel.

INSAS is being transferred to state police etc.
Perhaps I guess that is what it is, since the production rate for the Ak-203 is low and I think it will keep running at a low pace so that the factory doesn't get closed very soon.
 

SKC

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AK-203 RIFLES IN MANUFACTURING, TESTING STAGE: GOVT ON KORWA PLANT
Army soldiers will now finally get modern assault rifles in bulk. The long-pending project to manufacture over six lakh AK-203 Kalashnikov rifles at the Korwa ordnance factory in Amethi district of UP has kicked off.

Kalashnikov AK-203 rifles for Indian armed forces are currently under manufacturing and testing stage at an Indo-Russian joint venture at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh, the government said on Monday. Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, said the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd (IRRPL) has established all facilities to commence production of the indigenised assault rifles.

"Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) is a joint venture company established for indigenous production of AK-203 Rifles. IRRPL has established all facilities to commence production of indigenised assault rifles at Korwa, Uttar Pradesh," Bhatt said.

"The rifles are currently under manufacturing and testing stage," he said.

Bhatt said indigenisation of AK-203 rifles will lead to self sufficiency in respect of assault rifles for Indian defence forces.

The indigenous defence projects listed by Bhatt included 155mm Artillery Gun system 'Dhanush'', Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, surface-to air missile system 'Akash', main battle tank 'Arjun', T-90 tank, T-72 tank, Cheetah helicopter and Advanced Light Helicopter Dornier Do-228.

Bhatt said various policy initiatives to encourage indigenous design, development and manufacture of defence equipment in the country are aimed at reducing dependency on imports in the long run.

"The expenditure on defence procurement from foreign sources has reduced from 46 per cent of overall expenditure in 2018-19 to 36.7 per cent as per data till December, 2022," he said.

Replying to a question on the cost of procurement of Indian Air Force One aeroplanes, he said it cannot be disclosed.

"No information in this matter can be disclosed," Bhatt said.

To a separate question, he said India regularly interacts with friendly foreign countries (FFCs) to enhance defence industrial cooperation.

"The defence industrial cooperation with FFCs aims at development of new technologies, Research & Development, co-development and co-production, promotion of defence exports, establishment of joint-ventures, integration of Indian MSMEs and start-ups in global supply chain," he said.
Bas karo!!
Yar ab to deliver kardo yar!
 

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