Adani Defence to Supply Indigenous Ammunition for AK-203 Rifle Programme

Adani Defence & Aerospace has entered into a five-year agreement with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) to supply indigenously manufactured 7.62x39 mm small-calibre ammunition for the AK-203 assault rifle programme. The pact ensures a steady Indian source of ammunition during the contract period, according to an Adani release.

The collaboration integrates IRRPL's rifle production with Adani Defence's ammunition manufacturing, creating a unified domestic supply chain. This is expected to bolster the small-arms manufacturing ecosystem and deepen localisation around the AK-203 programme.

IRRPL, incorporated in 2019 under an India-Russia intergovernmental agreement, operates a manufacturing facility in Korwa, Amethi district, Uttar Pradesh. The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with IRRPL in December 2021 for 6,01,427 AK-203 rifles. Indian shareholders include Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited and Munitions India Limited, with Russian partners Concern Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport.

Adani Defence has established small-calibre ammunition production capabilities in India, including a facility in Kanpur. The agreement supports the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing by reducing reliance on overseas supply chains and linking domestic rifle and ammunition production within India.