• The AK-203/103 rifle soon be manufactured in Korwa area of Amethi after India Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of its manufacturing unit, is the latest derivative of the legendary AK-47 rifle.

About Project:

• The project, in collaboration with Russia, will be undertaken at the Korwa ordnance factory, which was established in 2010. Around 7.5 lakh units of the latest version of AK-47 will be manufactured in the new unit.
• The rifles will progressively replace the Army’s in-service INSAS and AK-47 rifles. The 200-series of AK rifles represents the next generation and evolution of the 100-series of AKs.
• The 200-series of AK rifles represents the next generation and evolution of the 100-series of AKs. (Kalashnikov website)
• The 200-series Kalashnikov rifles have same basic design, layout and major features (including famous reliability and durability), but feature improved ergonomics and modern accessory interfaces.
• The AK103 has plastic folding buttstock that ensures convenience on the march, during transportation and landing operations. The weapon can fire with buttstock folded. The AK103 can carry a 40-mm under-barrel grenade launcher or a knife-bayonet, according to the Kalashnikov website.

About INSAS :

• For years, the Indian military and paramilitary forces have been trying to find an alternative to INSAS (India Small Arms System) rifle as the latter has several issues like gun jamming, rifle going into automatic mode when it was set for three-round bursts and oil falling on a user’s eyes during the combat. 
• Even during the 1999 Kargil war, soldiers had complained of INSAS guns jamming or magazine cracking during the combat operation in the freezing temperature and had a tough time taking on enemies.
• Frustrated with the quality of the gun, soldiers deployed in counter-terror operations in J&K and northeast have started using either the world’s most reliable AK-47 or imported guns.
• Even the CRPF has switched over to AK-47 in militancy-infested areas. 
• Special forces like Para commandos, Marine Commandos (popularly known as Marcos), Garud Commando Force (IAF special force) and even National Security Guard (anti-terror force) also rely on German or Israel automatic rifles like Heckler and Koch MP5 sub-machine guns and Tavor rifles.
•  Even Special Protection Group, which provides the inner-layer security cover to VVIPs like the PM, prefer Belgium-made FN F2000 bullpup assault rifle, which is very effective in close-quarter combat.