AK-203

The AK-203 is a Russian gas-operated, magazine-fed, select fire assault rifle designed to chamber the 7.62×39mm cartridge.[2] It is one of the latest iterations of the AK series of assault rifles originally designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov. The AK-203 was developed in the 2010s by Kalashnikov Concern in Russia. The firearm was originally known as AK-103M before being renamed to AK-203 in 2019.

AK-203
TypeAssault rifle
Place of originRussia
Service history
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerMikhail Kalashnikov
Designed2007–2010[1]
Manufacturer
Specifications
Mass3.8 kg (8.4 lb)[2]
Length880–940 mm (35–37 in) (stock extended)
Barrel length415 mm (16.3 in)
Cartridge7.62×39mm[2]
Caliber7.62x39mm
ActionGas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire~700 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity715 m/s (2,346 ft/s)
Effective firing range400–800 m (440–870 yd)[2]
(based on sight adjustments)
Feed system30-round detachable box magazine[2]
50-round detachable quad-column magazine
SightsAdjustable iron sights or picatinny rails for various optics

History

The prototype development of predecessor of AK-203 rifle, dubbed as AK-200 series began in 2007. The first prototype of AK-200 was developed and tested in 2010.[1] In 2013, for the Ratnik 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]

The Indian Army is procuring 670,000 AK-203 assault rifles to replace the INSAS, through a contract with Russia. The first 70,000 rifles were purchased from Russia and delivered in January 2022. The remaining 600,000 rifles will be manufactured in Amethi, India under a transfer of technology agreement, by joint venture company Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL).

Users
  •  India: Placed an order for 670,000 rifles;[3] around 70,000 would be purchased off the shelf, and the remaining 600,000 would be manufactured in India under ToT.[3] On 25 January 2022, the first batch of 70,000 AK-203s delivered to Indian Armed Forces.[4] Licensed production started in January 2023.[5]
  •  Russia: In limited use by Russian Special Forces

References
  1. Onokoy, Vlad (27 April 2019). "Kalashnikov AK-203: The New Assault Rifle of the Indian Army". Small Arms Defense Journal. Vol. 11, no. 4. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021.
  2. "7.62mm Kalashnikov Assault Rifle AK203 | Catalog Rosoboronexport". roe.ru. Rosoboronexport. Archived from the original on 22 October 2021. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  3. Siddiqui, Huma (23 August 2021). "Indian Army to buy AK-203 off the shelf from Russia". The Financial Express. Retrieved 22 October 2021.
  4. "Russia delivers all the contracted 70,000 AK-203 assault rifles to India".
  5. "India launches production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles — Rosoboronexport".
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