India to start joint production of Kalashnikov rifles with Russia
On Sunday, March 3, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launched the production of Kalashnikov rifles together with Russia. Manufacturing will start at the Korwa City Ordnance Factory in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
In December 2019, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Colonel-General Alexander Fomin reported that the production of Kalashnikov rifles in India could be established.
The joint venture will produce AK-203 model rifles that will replace Indian-made INSAS rifles that have received numrous complaints from the Indian military.
The new Kalashnikov rifles will be used by Indian military forces and some are expected to be supplied to the country’s various militarized groups.