The Indian Army has released a striking 24-second video titled “Shadows and Steel,” offering a glimpse into the assembly and firing of the indigenous AK-203 assault rifle—nicknamed “Sher” (lion)—at the Korwa manufacturing plant in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
The video highlights troops operating the AK-203, a modern rifle jointly produced by India and Russia to replace the ageing INSAS. Designed for superior performance, the AK-203 features improved ergonomics, advanced optics rails, and a firing rate of 700 rounds per minute, giving infantry units enhanced accuracy and reliability in diverse combat environments.
The production line in Amethi is progressing ahead of schedule, with the first fully indigenous batch expected to roll out by December 2025. Ongoing deliveries are part of the Army’s wider modernization push aimed at equipping soldiers with next-generation weaponry made in India.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia lauded the rifle and the manufacturing progress, calling it “a testament to India’s growing defence manufacturing capability and the skill of our workforce.”
The AK-203 project stands as a major milestone under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, strengthening India’s self-reliance in small arms production while boosting the operational punch of frontline troops.
