A contract was signed for the production of AK-203 assault rifles in India

On Monday, a contract was signed in New Delhi for the production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles in India. Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugaev announced this on the air of the Russia 24 TV channel. He called the document long-awaited. Shugaev did not speak about the details of the contract. However, the Нindustan Times newspaper reported a little earlier that the agreement, in particular, provides for the joint production of more than 500 thousand AK-203 assault rifles. Even the amount of the deal was named - over $ 677 million. The press service of "Kalashnikov" announced more precise figures - over 600 thousand 7.62 mm assault rifles. "Russian and Indian specialists have done a lot of preparatory work over three years to optimize the price and technological parameters of the project. Now that the contract has been signed, we are ready to start production of modern AK-203 in the city of Corva in the coming months," the press service quoted TASS as saying the words of the general director of "Kalashnikov" Vladimir Lepin. Dmitry Shugaev explained that due to the signed contract, the needs of the national Armed Forces of India will be almost completely met. "But the most important thing is that India is acquiring competence with the help of Russian partners in the production of small arms," ​​the head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation emphasized. According to Shugaev, the machine is not inferior to its competitors, and even surpasses in many characteristics. Therefore, this is also a very important event for the Russian industry. “AK-203 is one of our newest assault rifles. productions in other countries, but there are AK-203 models. First of all, the main task is to provide the national armed forces with these small arms. Third countries - well, probably in the future, "Shugaev believes. In addition, according to him, Russia and India are negotiating an increase by 50 units of licensed production of Su-30MKI fighters, which are very successful in the national air force. Shugaev also said that Moscow and New Delhi are discussing the possibility of exporting to third countries the products of the BrahMos joint venture, which specializes in the development of missiles for various purposes. And in the future - the signing of a contract for the supply and licensed production in India of portable anti-aircraft missile systems "Igla-S". This complex, in a tough competition, won the tender against the French Mistral and the Swedish RBS 70 NG. In general, India is one of the main buyers of Russian weapons. It is known that over the past 30 years, it has acquired from our country an arsenal worth about $ 70 billion. And the volume of the portfolio of military orders exceeds 14 billion. Moscow, in particular, has a contract with

New Delhi for the supply by the end of 2024 of five regimental sets of the S-400 anti-aircraft missile system.

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