India’s first indigenised AK-203 Sher rifle test-fired in Amethi

Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) has manufactured and test-fired India’s first 100% indigenised AK-203 assault rifle, named Sher, at the Korwa ordnance facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The prototype used only domestic Indian components and raw materials, marking a shift from licensed assembly to end-to-end local production.

AK-203 rifle programme

The AK-203 is a Kalashnikov-platform assault rifle chambered in 7.62×39 mm. It uses gas operation, a 30-round magazine, an effective range of up to 800 metres, and a firing rate of about 700 rounds per minute.

Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited

IRRPL is a joint venture linked to India’s rifle production programme with Russian collaboration. The company has stated that the Sher prototype was built entirely from Indian industry inputs, including all components and raw materials.

Production and user trials

IRRPL plans to supply fully indigenised prototypes to the Indian Army for formal user trials scheduled to begin in September 2026. The factory is also being upgraded to produce one AK-203 Sher rifle every 100 seconds.

Important Facts for Exams

• The AK-203 belongs to the Kalashnikov family of rifles and uses the 7.62×39 mm cartridge.
• The Korwa ordnance facility is located in Amethi district in Uttar Pradesh.
• The Indian Army’s requirement is about 6 lakh AK-203 rifles.
• The delivery schedule has been moved to late 2030 from 2032 after local production improvements.

Programme timeline

The bilateral process with Russia’s Kalashnikov began in 2018. Lieutenant General Satish Dua, retired, has referred to the indigenisation milestone while noting the long gestation period of the programme.