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Defence
India's First Fully Indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ Rifle Test‑Fired at Amethi Plant
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 23 Aug 2026, 09:39 PM
👁 6
The Indian Rifle Factory in Amethi successfully produced and fired the AK‑203 ‘Sher’, the first rifle built entirely with indigenous components.
The Indian Rifle Factory (IRRPL) in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, announced that it has manufactured and test‑fired the AK‑203 ‘Sher’ rifle using wholly Indian components and raw materials. This marks the first time the modern assault rifle has been produced without any foreign parts.
The achievement is a milestone in India's broader push for defence self‑reliance, aiming to replace imported small‑arms with domestically sourced alternatives. By completing the full production cycle within the country, the programme seeks to reduce dependence on external suppliers and strengthen the indigenous defence industrial base.
"We have successfully produced and fired the first AK‑203 (Sher) rifle made with 100% Indian components and input materials," said Major General Sharma, chief executive of IRRPL. His statement underscored the technical capability of the factory and the government's commitment to indigenisation.
Analysts expect that the fully indigenous rifle will soon be supplied to the Indian armed forces and could also be offered to friendly nations, enhancing export potential while ensuring a reliable supply chain for the troops.
The achievement is a milestone in India's broader push for defence self‑reliance, aiming to replace imported small‑arms with domestically sourced alternatives. By completing the full production cycle within the country, the programme seeks to reduce dependence on external suppliers and strengthen the indigenous defence industrial base.
"We have successfully produced and fired the first AK‑203 (Sher) rifle made with 100% Indian components and input materials," said Major General Sharma, chief executive of IRRPL. His statement underscored the technical capability of the factory and the government's commitment to indigenisation.
Analysts expect that the fully indigenous rifle will soon be supplied to the Indian armed forces and could also be offered to friendly nations, enhancing export potential while ensuring a reliable supply chain for the troops.