Adani Defence signs five-year AK-203 ammunition deal

Key facts

• Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed a five-year agreement with Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd to supply indigenously manufactured 7.62x39 mm ammunition for AK-203 assault rifles being produced in India.
• The agreement will create an integrated domestic supply chain for the India-Russia rifle programme.
• IRRPL was established in 2019 under an India-Russia intergovernmental agreement to manufacture AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Armed Forces, with its manufacturing facility located in Korwa, Uttar Pradesh's Amethi district.
• The joint venture has Indian shareholders Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd and Munitions India Ltd, along with Russian shareholders Concern Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport.
• In December 2021, the government signed a contract with IRRPL for the production of 6,01,427 AK-203 rifles at its facility in Korwa.
• Adani Defence has developed small-calibre ammunition manufacturing capabilities in India, including a production facility in Kanpur.
• The agreement would further strengthen domestic capabilities across the small-arms supply chain and support the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing.