Production of 50,000 AK103 assault rifles in Armenia is scheduled to begin in July in this year.
The relevant contract for the organization of the phased manufacture of AK-103 in Armenia was signed based on the decision of the Russian Federal Service for Military- Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) on May 15, 2020. Next month, the country will start producing the rifles, Interfax reported citing FSMTC.
Earlier on Thursday, the Armenian state news agency Armenpress with reference to the head of the production enterprise Igor Gordienko reported that the plant’s work was going to be organized in two stages.
The AK103, according to the information of the Rosoboronexport, is a highly reliable classical Kalashnikov assault rifle with 7.62x39mm ammunition with better ergonomics and modern materials. The design of the forehand provides better versatility as it has tactical rails for various accessories and devices. Folding buttstock augments tactical capabilities of the operator.
7.62x39mm magazines from previous AK generations are compatible with AK103. Metal parts undergo special treatment and finishing in order to resist corrosion even under harshest possible weather conditions, adds the Russian state defense exporter.
Meanwhile, Russia earlier signed with India an intergovernmental agreement to establish the joint venture to produce AK203 assault rifles on the Indian territory.
A joint venture – the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited in Korwa, Amethi (Uttar Pradesh) – has been established.
The project envisages 100% localization of the rifle production in India and the complete transfer of technology (as well as the possible export in the future). The technical configuration of the rifle to be produced has been approved.
The relevant contract to start production is yet to be signed though recent reports said the two countries have agreed to a price for the AK203 rifle.
