Adani Defence & Aerospace has entered into a five-year deal with Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd to manufacture and supply locally made 7.62×39 mm ammunition for AK-203 assault rifles produced in India. The agreement is aimed at establishing a domestic ammunition supply chain for the India-Russia rifle programme.
Under the arrangement, will provide the ammunition required for the AK-203 project throughout the five-year contract period. The company said the agreement will ensure an Indian source for the required ammunition and help maintain steady supplies, according to PTI.
The partnership connects rifle manufacturing by Indo-Russian Rifles, or IRRPL, with ammunition production by Adani Defence, bringing two key components of the AK-203 programme together within India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
AK-203 programme supported by order for over 6 lakh rifles
IRRPL was set up in 2019 following an intergovernmental agreement between India and Russia to produce AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Armed Forces. The company operates its rifle manufacturing unit at Korwa in ’s Amethi district.
The joint venture comprises Indian partners Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd and Munitions India Ltd, as well as Russian companies Concern Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport.
The Ministry of Defence has designated IRRPL to undertake domestic manufacturing of the AK-203 rifles. In December 2021, the government awarded the company a contract for the production of 6,01,427 AK-203 rifles at its Korwa facility.
According to the company, the latest ammunition agreement further strengthens the programme’s domestic manufacturing network by bringing together Indian-made AK-203 rifles and locally produced ammunition.
Adani strengthens its small-calibre ammunition capabilities
Adani Defence has built the capability to manufacture small-calibre ammunition in India, including through its facility in . The latest deal is expected to further expand the country’s domestic capacity across the small-arms supply chain and contribute to the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at boosting self-reliance in defence production.
The agreement also takes the localisation of the India-Russia defence programme a step further. While the programme was initially focused on producing AK-203 rifles within India, the addition of domestically manufactured ammunition reduces dependence on overseas suppliers for an essential component of the weapon system.
The agreement comes as India steps up efforts to expand its domestic defence production base and cut dependence on foreign supply chains. By sourcing both the rifles and their ammunition from within the country, the deal further increases the level of local manufacturing under the AK-203 programme, the company said.
(With inputs from agencies)