New Delhi: The Indian Army will soon get the first batch of AK-203 rifles, significantly increasing its firepower. The Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, has finished producing the first batch of 5,000 AK-203 rifles, according to a report by Janes Intel.
Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW) cited Alexander Mikheev, director general of Russian defence export organisation Rosoboronexport, as saying that the distribution of the AK-203 rifles will begin soon. The first 70,000 of the AK-203 rifles manufactured in India will have up to 70% indigenous components, while subsequent batches will have 100% indigenous components.
The cost of the AK-203 rifles with 70% indigenous material will be Rs 91,000, while the price of those with 100% indigenous material will be between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 less.
For the Indian Army, the government aims to buy some 6,00,000 AK-203 assault rifles, with additional orders likely to be placed for paramilitary groups and state police commando units.