India is strengthening its infantry with a new generation of assault rifles — the AK-203, a modernised version of the iconic Kalashnikov series, now being produced in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Named ‘Sher’ in India, the rifle is part of a major push to modernise the Indian Army’s arsenal and reduce dependency on imports.
The AK-203 can fire up to 700 rounds per minute and has an effective range of 800 metres. It is set to replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) rifles, which have been in use for more than thirty years. The new rifles are being manufactured by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture between India’s Ordnance Factory Board and Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern and Rosoboronexport. The factory in Amethi’s Korwa is the heart of this Indo-Russian collaboration.
Under a ₹5,200 crore contract, the IRRPL has been tasked with supplying over six lakh rifles to the armed forces. So far, around 48,000 units have been delivered. According to IRRPL chief executive Major General SK Sharma, another 7,000 will be handed over within the next few weeks, and an additional 15,000 rifles are expected to be delivered by December this year. The complete delivery is targeted for completion by December 2030.
The AK-203 is considered a significant upgrade over both the AK-47 and AK-56, combining ruggedness with modern features. It uses a 7.62x39 mm cartridge, delivering more firepower than the 5.56x45 mm cartridge used by the INSAS rifles. Each rifle can hold 30 cartridges in its magazine and weighs about 3.8 kg — lighter than the 4.15 kg INSAS. The AK-203 also has a shorter frame, measuring 705 mm without the buttstock, compared to the longer 960 mm frame of the INSAS, allowing for greater maneuverability in combat situations.
Designed for high reliability in extreme conditions, the AK-203 is well-suited for Indian soldiers operating in challenging terrains, from dense forests to high-altitude regions. The rifles will be deployed along the country’s most sensitive zones, including the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control, where they are expected to enhance both counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism capabilities.
Beyond being a firepower upgrade, the production of AK-203 rifles in Amethi marks a significant step in India’s ‘Make in India’ campaign. By manufacturing these rifles domestically, India not only boosts its strategic autonomy but also demonstrates its growing capability in indigenous defence production.
The Indian Army’s transition to the ‘Sher’ marks a new era where old legacies meet modern combat requirements. Forged through international partnership and local production, the rifle symbolises India's evolving military strength and its commitment to equipping soldiers with the best possible tools on the battlefield.
