Overview
- Indo‑Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) said it produced and test‑fired the first AK‑203 'Sher' made with 100% Indian components at the Korwa facility, a development announced on Sunday.
- IRRPL reported the prototype completed burst and automatic firing checks with initial results described as extremely encouraging and is preparing multiple fully indigenised prototypes for Indian Army trials in September 2026.
- The company plans to scale production toward about one rifle every 100 seconds and says it aims to finish the contracted supply of roughly 601,427 rifles by December 2030, nearly a year earlier than the previous schedule.
- IRRPL attributes the shift from kit assembly to full domestic manufacture to a full transfer of technology from Russian partners in 2023–24 and staged vendor development that produced barrels, bolts, furniture, coatings and testing processes to military specifications.
- If the Army validates the prototypes in trials, the AK‑203 'Sher' — a 7.62x39mm Kalashnikov‑series rifle with modern rails and adjustable stock — is set to replace the ageing INSAS and change infantry firepower and logistics by moving troops to heavier 7.62mm ammunition.