India, Russia Expand Defence Ties: AK-19 Carbines and PPK-20 Submachine Guns to Be Jointly Made

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India and Russia have announced a significant expansion of their defence partnership, moving beyond the production of AK-203 assault rifles to include the joint manufacturing of advanced weapons such as the AK-19 carbine and the PPK-20 submachine gun. The collaboration comes under the broader framework of boosting indigenous defence capabilities and technology transfer.

According to officials, discussions are at an advanced stage between Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) and Russian defence entities to manufacture the AK-19 and PPK-20 in India. These weapons are expected to supplement India’s modern infantry arsenal and may also be offered for export in the future.

The AK-19, chambered for NATO-standard 5.56x45mm ammunition, and the compact PPK-20 submachine gun are viewed as technologically advanced platforms ideal for various military and law enforcement needs.

This development builds on the success of the ₹5,000 crores AK-203 project, which is being implemented by IRRPL, a joint venture between India’s Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) and Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern. The AK-203 rifle is being produced at the Korwa Ordnance Factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. So far, over 55,000 units have been delivered to the Indian Army, with full-scale production expected to ramp up by the end of 2025.

Officials noted that the indigenisation level of the AK-203 project has already crossed 50%, with tending to achieve full localisation in the coming months. The rifles are set to replace the ageing INSAS rifles across Indian armed forces.

Beyond strengthening India’s firepower, the expanded manufacturing scope is also aimed at catering to defence export demands from countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The government has made defence exports a key pillar of its Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) policy.

This latest move is seen as a reaffirmation of India-Russia defence ties, even as New Delhi continues to diversify its strategic partnerships globally.