AK-203

The AK-203 is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, select fire assault rifle designed to chamber 7.62×39mm cartridge.[2] It is one of the latest iterations of the AK series of assault rifles originally designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The AK-203 assault rifles will be manufactured by an Indo-Russian joint venture company, Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), based at Amethi, India.[3]

AK-203
TypeAssault rifle
Place of originIndia
Russia
Production history
DesignerMikhail Kalashnikov
Designed2007–2010[1]
ManufacturerIndo-Russia Rifles Pvt. Ltd.
Specifications
Mass3.8 kg (8.4 lb)[2]
Length940 mm (37 in) stock extended / 705 mm (27.8 in) stock folded
Barrel length415 mm (16.3 in)
Cartridge7.62×39mm[2]
Caliber7.62 mm
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire700 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity730 m/s (2,395 ft/s)
Effective firing range400–800 m (440–870 yd)[2]
(based on sight adjustments)
Feed system30-round detachable box magazine[2]
50-round detachable quad-column magazine
SightsAdjustable iron sights or picatinny rails for various optics

The AK-203 assault rifle is going to replace Indian military's INSAS rifles, the Indian Armed Forces have a requirement of 670,000 rifles.[4] An intergovernmental agreement has been already signed for the procurement of AK-203 assault rifles.[4] As part of the deal 70,000 rifles would be procured off the shelf while remaining 600,000 rifles will be manufactured by IRRPL in India under transfer of technology (ToT).[4]

History

The prototype development of predecessor of AK-203 rifle, dubbed as AK-200 series began in 2007. The first prototype of AK-200 was developed and tested in 2010.[1] In 2013, for the Ratnik programme AK-200 was modified and renamed as AK-103-3. In 2016, AK-200 series project was revived and upgraded the AK-103-3 assault rifle prototype with KM-AK kit developed as part of the Obves programme.[1] The upgraded assault rifle prototype was initially designated as AK-300 and then as AK-100M and finally in 2019 as AK-203.[1]

Users
 India
  • Indian Armed Forces – Placed an order for 670,000 rifles,[4] around 70,000 would be purchased off the shelf, and the remaining 600,000 would be manufactured in India under ToT.[4]

References
  1. Onokoy, Vlad (27 April 2019). "Kalashnikov AK-203: The New Assault Rifle of the Indian Army". Small Arms Defense Journal. Vol. 11 no. 4. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021.
  2. "7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle AK203 | Catalog Rosoboronexport". roe.ru. Rosoboronexport. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  3. "EXPLAINED: The Trigger For India's Switch To AK-203 From INSAS Rifle And How It Targets Atmanirbhar Boost". News18. 10 October 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  4. Siddiqui, Huma (23 August 2021). "Indian Army to buy AK-203 off the shelf from Russia". The Financial Express. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
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