India Makes First 100% Made-in-India AK-203 Rifle 'SHER'

India has developed the first fully Indian-made AK-203 assault rifle, “Sher,” which will undergo Indian Army trials in September 2026.

India has taken another step towards defence self-reliance with the production of a 100% Indian-made AK-203 assault rifle, named “Sher.”

For more than 30 years, the Indian Army relied on the INSAS rifle. But with changing military requirements, the Army needed a newer weapon that offered better reliability and performance in challenging conditions.

The AK-203, part of the famous AK family, was selected to gradually replace the INSAS. Known for its durability, the rifle is designed to operate in difficult environments, including dust, mud, mountains and extreme weather.

Initially, India imported AK-203 rifles from Russia. In 2019, India and Russia partnered to manufacture them locally through Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL). A manufacturing facility was established in Korwa, Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

Production faced delays due to challenges involving technology transfer, machinery, pricing and local manufacturing of components. India therefore continued importing some rifles from Russia, including around 70,000 AK-203s in 2022, while work on indigenous production continued.

Now, that effort has reached a major milestone.

In August 2026, IRRPL produced and test-fired the first AK-203 made entirely using Indian components and raw materials. The rifle was officially announced as “Sher” on 23 August by IRRPL CEO and Managing Director Major General S. K. Sharma.

The Sher reportedly has a firing rate of around 700 rounds per minute, compared with roughly 600 rounds per minute for the AK-47.

The rifle will undergo Indian Army trials in September 2026. If it clears the trials and receives approval, India can move towards large-scale production.

From importing rifles to manufacturing one entirely in India, the Sher represents a major step in India’s push for defence self-reliance.