| AK-203 | |
|---|---|
 Soldier holding an AK-203, designed for theIndian Army | |
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| Used by | SeeUsers |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Mikhail Kalashnikov |
| Designed | 2007–2010[1] |
| Manufacturer | |
| No. built | 105,000 (another 565,000 on order) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3.8 kg (8.4 lb)[2] |
| Length | 880–940 mm (35–37 in) (stock extended) |
| Barrel length | 415 mm (16.3 in) |
| Cartridge | 7.62×39mm[2] |
| Caliber | 7.62mm |
| Action | Gas-operated,rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | ~700 rounds/min |
| Muzzle velocity | 715 m/s (2,346 ft/s) |
| Effective firing range | 400–800 m (440–870 yd)[2] (based on sight adjustments) |
| Feed system | 30-round detachablebox magazine[2] 50-round detachablequad-column magazine |
| Sights | Adjustableiron sights orpicatinny rails for various optics |
| References | [3] |
TheAK-203 is a Russiangas-operatedassault rifle designed to chamber the7.62×39mm cartridge.[2] It is one of the latest iterations of the AK series of assault rifles originally designed byMikhail Kalashnikov. The AK-203 was developed in the 2010s byKalashnikov Concern inRussia.
The prototype development of theAK-200 series began in 2007. The first prototype of the AK-200 was developed and tested in 2010.[1] In 2013, for theRatnik programme AK-200 was modified and renamed as AK-103-3. In 2016, AK-200 series project was revived and upgraded the AK-103-3 assault rifle prototype with KM-AK kit developed as part of the Obves programme.[1] The upgraded assault rifle prototype was initially designated as AK-300 and then as AK-100M and finally in 2019 as AK-203.[1]
On March 3, 2019, Russia andIndia inauguratedIndo-Russia Rifles inUttar Pradesh.[4][5] However, pricing disagreements,[6][7] andinternational sanctions on Russia have caused delays in delivery and production.[8]
TheIndian Army is procuring 670,000 AK-203 assault rifles to replace theINSAS.[9] The first 70,000 rifles were purchased from Russia in August 2021[10] with deliveries made on January 25, 2022.[11] The remaining 600,000 rifles will be manufactured under a transfer of technology agreement.[11]
In an interview with Maria Vorobieva, Director of Kalashnikov Concern's Public Relations Department in October 2021, she said that some Asian nations, including those from theCommonwealth of Independent States (CIS), are acquiring the AK-203.[12]
In October 21, 2022, full production of AK-203s was announced at Defexpo 2022.[13]
On February 3, 2023, it was reported by Alexander Mikheev, director general of Rosoboronexport, that the first batch of AK-203s were completed at Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.[14] On October 12, 2023, it was reported that Kalashnikov Concern completed shipment of machinery and tools for India to manufacture AK-203s.[15]
It was announced on July 5, 2024 that 35,000 rifles have been produced by the IRRPL and delivered to the Indian Ministry of Defence.[16] On August 28, 2024, delays in procuring more AK-203 has forced India to acquire 73,000SIG716s.[17]
On September 25, 2024, it was revealed that following the sanctions imposed on Russia, several Middle Eastern and African countries were reported to have enquired with IRRPL regarding export of the rifle.[18][19]
The AK-203 is chambered for 7.62×39 and it uses AK-type magazines.[13] It weighs 3.8 kg, and has a length of 690 mm with the stock folded, or 930 mm with it extended.[13] Its rate of fire is 700 rounds per minute.[13] Its polymer front housing free floating case has been accused of being difficult to handle according to combat footage from the Russo-Ukraine war. It has a birdcage type muzzle brake device for better handling of rifle and flatter trajectory of bullet.
India: 175,000 delivered. Total 670,000 rifles planned for theIndian Army and theIndian Air Force.[20]
Russia: In limited use byRussian Special Forces.