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Context: The Ukraine crisis delays Ak-203 assault rifle deal with Russia.

• With repeated delays in the deals for procurement of AK-203 assault rifles, India had signed a deal in August for 70,000 AK-103 assault tickets to be procured off the shelf.

Why AK 203 assault rifles?

• AK-203 assault rifle is considered to be the latest and most advanced version of the AK-47 rifle.
• Itis a 7.62×39mm variant from the AK-100 rifle family (one that offers the AK-74M system, in multiple cartridges and lengths).
• This variant is expected to replace the Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) 5.56×45 mm assault rifle, that are presently being used by Army, Navy and the Air Force besides other security forces.
• INSAS rifles are not suitable for use at high altitude. Several other issues with these rifles include gun jamming, oil leakage etc.

AK 203: Strengths & Advantages:

• Popular because of robust mechanics and simplicity of operation, these rifles have been tested under the conditions of extreme heat and cold.
• This variant is an advanced version of AK-47 and its magazine can hold 30 bullets.
• Unlike the INSAS rifles, these rifles never get jammed as these belong to AK series.
• These rifles are a type of Kalashnikov rifles, which can work under extreme climatic conditions and are effective even in sand, soil and water.
• These rifles also offer high degree of versatility, adjustability and customizability.
• The 7.62 mm ammunition in AK-203 gun is NATO grade and therefore more powerful.
• The rifle, which can fire 600 bullets in one minute, means 10 bullets in a second, can be used in automatic and semi-automatic mode.

Manufacturing of 7.5 lakh AK-203 rifles in Uttar Pradesh:

• India and Russiahad signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) in February 2019 for production of AK 203 assault rifles.
• For this, a Joint venture was formed between Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) on the Indian side, and Rosonboron Exports and Concern Kalashnikov on the Russian side.
• Other India-Russia bilateral projects currently underway include indigenous production of T-90 tanks and Su-30-MKIaircraft, supply of MiG-29-K aircraft and Kamov-31 and Mi-17 helicopters, upgrade of MiG-29 aircraft and supply of Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher Smerch.
• Both the countries have also collaborated to develop and produce supersonic BrahMos cruise missilesin India.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ukraine-crisis-delays-ak-203-assault-rifle-deal-with-russia/article65221831.ece

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