India's AK-203 Sher rifle made with 100% indigenous ingredients, test-fired in UP

The prototype has undergone firing trials, including burst firing, with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited saying the initial results were encouraging.The AK-203 Sher assault riffleThe AK-203 Sher assault rifle has entered a new phase of indigenous production, with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) producing and test-firing the first rifle made entirely from Indian components and input materials at its Amethi facility.The prototype has undergone firing trials, including burst firing, with IRRPL saying the initial results were encouraging. The company will now manufacture additional indigenous AK-203 rifles for trials by the Indian Armed Forces, which are scheduled to begin in September 2026.The development marks the first AK-203 produced with 100 per cent Indian components and input materials at IRRPL’s Amethi facility.MORE INDIGENOUS RIFLES TO BE MADE FOR ARMED FORCES TRIALSFollowing the initial firing trials of the prototype, IRRPL plans to manufacture additional rifles using indigenous components and input materials. These rifles will be made available for trials by the Indian Armed Forces from September 2026. The trials will be the next stage in the development and evaluation of the fully indigenous version of the AK-203.PRODUCTION TARGET OF ONE RIFLE EVERY 100 SECONDSAlongside developing the AK-203, IRRPL is working to increase its manufacturing capacity and improve the efficiency of its production processes. The company is targeting a production rate of one AK-203 rifle every 100 seconds. It is also working to optimise manufacturing and expand its production capacity as it scales up the programme.The production target is part of a larger effort to meet the requirements under its existing contract for AK-203 rifles for the Indian Armed Forces.RS 5,200-CRORE CONTRACT FOR OVER SIX LAKH RIFFLESIRRPL has a Rs 5,200-crore contract to manufacture and supply 6,01,427 AK-203 rifles.Under the contract, the company is aiming to complete deliveries by December 2030. This would bring forward the completion of deliveries by nearly two years compared with the original October 2032 deadline.The contract therefore remains a key part of the company's production plans as it works simultaneously on increasing manufacturing capacity and developing the fully indigenous version of the rifle.WHAT’S NEXT?The immediate focus will be on producing additional AK-203 Sher rifles and preparing them for the Indian Armed Forces trials scheduled to start in September 2026.The first rifle has already completed its initial firing trials, including burst firing, with the results described by IRRPL as encouraging. Further trials and production will determine the next stage for the indigenous version.At the same time, IRRPL is working towards its production target of one AK-203 every 100 seconds and plans to optimise its manufacturing processes and expand capacity.The company is also targeting December 2030 for completion of deliveries under its Rs 5,200-crore contract for 6,01,427 rifles, against the original October 2032 deadline.- EndsPublished By: Akash ChatterjeePublished On: Aug 24, 2026 16:17 IST