Adani Defence, Indo-Russian Rifles sign 5-year ammunition supply pact for AK-203

New Delhi: Adani Defence & Aerospace has entered into a five-year agreement with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), the India-Russia joint venture manufacturing AK-203 assault rifles in India, to supply indigenous 7.62x39 mm small-calibre ammunition for the programme.

Under the agreement, Adani Defence will provide 7.62x39 mm ammunition required for the AK-203 programme over a five-year period.

The pact is aimed at establishing an Indian source for ammunition supplies for the rifle programme and ensuring continuity of supply during the contract period.

The arrangement brings together AK-203 rifle manufacturing by IRRPL and ammunition production by Adani Defence, creating an integrated domestic supply chain for the programme.

The agreement is also expected to strengthen India's capabilities across the small-arms manufacturing ecosystem and contribute to the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence production.

IRRPL was incorporated in 2019 under an India-Russia intergovernmental agreement for the manufacture of AK-203 assault rifles for the Indian Armed Forces.

The company's manufacturing facility is located at Korwa in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

The joint venture includes Indian shareholders Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited and Munitions India Limited, along with Russian partners Concern Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport.

The Ministry of Defence has identified IRRPL as the joint venture responsible for the indigenous production of AK-203 rifles.

In December 2021, a contract was signed with IRRPL for 6,01,427 AK-203 rifles, with production scheduled to take place at the Korwa facility.

Adani Defence & Aerospace has also developed domestic manufacturing capabilities for small-calibre ammunition, including a production facility in Kanpur.

Adani defence's expanding defence footprint

The latest agreement comes as Adani Defence continues to expand its presence across India's defence manufacturing sector.

In July, Adani Defence and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed an agreement for the AEW&C-MKII programme, India's next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control system.

The programme makes Adani Defence the first private Indian company to be entrusted with the development, integration and lifecycle support of an airborne mission platform of this scale and complexity.

Under the programme, Adani Defence and DRDO will jointly develop, manufacture and integrate airborne mission systems on six modified Airbus A321 aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

The programme will also cover integrated logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), as well as technical support for up to 30 years. (IANS)