India-Russia assault rifle deal

A contract between the Indian government, Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern and Rosoboronexport could see a $766.5 million order for 750,000 AK-203 assault rifles – with most to be produced in India


New Delhi
Korwa ordnance factory: Rifles to be manufactured in Uttar Pradesh
INDIA
Pune, Maharashtra


Avtomat Kalashnikova AK-203
Weight: 3.8kg (with empty magazine)
Firing rate: 700 rounds/minute 
Muzzle velocity: 715 metres/second

Railed handguard: To mount thermal imaging and scope sights

New rear sight base

Top cover: Hinged to rear sight base

Selector lever: Three positions, safety on, fully automatic, single shot. Indian version loses finger tab

Unit cost $1,022

Flash hider- compensator: Slots direct gases upwards to generate downward force on barrel. Reducing muzzle rise enables faster second shot

Picatinny rail: To mount UBGL*

Magazine: 30 or 50 rounds

Ammunition:
7.62×39mm (M43) – can fire Chinese M43 ammunition
39mm

Contoured ergonomic pistol grip. Base contains removable oil bottle

Retractable buttstock: Adjustable length, left-folding. Three-piece cleaning kit stored inside stock.
Indian version may replace compact stock with cheaper AK-103 linear (fixed stock)


*UBGL – 40mm Under Barrel Grenade Launcher, manufactured at Khadki factory in Pune

 
Sources: India Today, Ordnance Factory Project Korwa, Indian Defence Industries 
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