Context:

• India to procure 70,000 latest AK rifles from Russia. Defence cooperation is an important pillar of the India-Russia strategic partnership.

Other defence procurements:

• Army is trying to buy a limited number of Kamov-226 helicopters off the shelf to meet immediate shortage of light utility helicopters.
• The development happens in spite of the joint venture of both the countries to manufacture 7.5 lakh AK-203 rifles in India.
• An agreement to procure 200 Ka-226T twin-engine utility helicopters estimated to cost over $1 billion, was inked by India and Russia in 2015.
• 60 helicopters will directly be imported by India and the rest 140 will be manufactured by A Joint venture ‘India Russia Helicopters Limited’ formed between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russian Helicopters.
• 200 Ka-226T twin-engine utility helicopters will replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

Why AK 203 assault rifles?

• AK-203 assault rifle is considered to be the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle.
• It is a 7.62×39mm variant from the AK-100 rifle family (one that offers the AK-74M system, in multiple cartridges and lengths).
• This variant is expected to replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45 mm assault rifle, that are presently being used by Army, Navy and the Air Force besides other security forces.
• INSAS rifles are not suitable for use at high altitude. Several other issues with these rifles include gun jamming, oil leakage etc.

AK 203: Strengths & Advantages

• Popular because of robust mechanics and simplicity of operation, these rifles have been tested under the conditions of extreme heat and cold.
• This variant is an advanced version of AK-47 and its magazine can hold 30 bullets.
• Unlike the INSAS rifles, these rifles never get jammed as these belong to AK series.
• These rifles are a type of Kalashnikov rifles, which can work under extreme climatic conditions and are effective even in sand, soil and water.
• These rifles also offer high degree of versatility, adjustability and customizability.
• The 7.62 mm ammunition in AK-203 gun is NATO grade and therefore more powerful.
• The rifle, which can fire 600 bullets in one minute, means 10 bullets in a second, can be used in automatic and semi-automatic mode.

Manufacturing of 7.5 lakh AK-203 rifles in Uttar Pradesh

• India and Russia had signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) in February 2019 for production of AK 203 assault rifles.
• For this, a Joint venture was formed between Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) on the Indian side, and Rosonboron Exports and Concern Kalashnikov on the Russian side.
• Other India-Russia bilateral projects currently underway include indigenous production of T-90 tanks and Su-30-MKI aircraft, supply of MiG-29-K aircraft and Kamov-31 and Mi-17 helicopters, upgrade of MiG-29 aircraft and supply of Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher Smerch.
• Both the countries have also collaborated to develop and produce supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles in India.

https://newsonair.com/2021/08/24/india-to-procure-70000-latest-ak-rifles-from-russia/

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