New Delhi: In a boost to defence cooperation, India and Russia are significantly expanding their manufacturing partnership by advancing negotiations for joint production of the AK-19 carbine and PPK-20 submachine gun, marking a substantial evolution beyond their successful AK-203 assault rifle collaboration.
This development represents a strategic deepening of the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) partnership, positioning India as a major hub for small arms manufacturing both for domestic consumption and international export.
The expansion comes as IRRPL approaches a critical milestone in the AK-203 program, with the company targeting 100 percent indigenisation by December 31, 2025.
Major General SK Sharma, CEO and CMD of IRRPL, confirmed that discussions with Russia for complete technology transfer of both the AK-19 and PPK-20 are in advanced stages, with these weapons designed to serve not only India’s armed and police forces but also international markets.
The foundation for this expansion lies in IRRPL’s remarkable progress with AK-203 production at their Korwa facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. The company has delivered 55,000 AK-203 rifles as of July 2025, with plans to deliver an additional 7,000 units by August 15, 2025. This achievement represents a significant acceleration from the initial production challenges, with the facility now producing rifles at an unprecedented pace.
Major General Sharma announced that IRRPL will complete the entire contract of 601,427 AK-203 rifles by the end of 2030, approximately 22 months ahead of the original December 2032 deadline. The production capacity will double to 600 rifles per day, translating to one rifle every 100 seconds, with the facility capable of producing 1.5 lakh rifles annually once full indigenisation is achieved.
The indigenisation journey has progressed remarkably, with current production at 50 percent indigenous content, rising to 70 percent by October 2025, and achieving complete indigenisation by year-end. This progression demonstrates India’s growing capability in advanced weapons manufacturing and technology absorption.
