Made in Amethi, AK-203 to Help Jawans Fight Terrorists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced the launch of a joint venture between India and Russia for the manufacture of AK 203 Kalashnikov assault rifles in Amethi’s Ordnance factory.

“One of the most advanced rifles in world AK-203 will be made in Amethi. It will be made by a joint-venture of India and Russia. I express my gratitude to my friend President Vladimir Putin, this venture was made possible in such a short time by his support,” he said to a gathering at his first visit to Amethi after coming to power in 2014.

According to reports, India has signed a deal with a Russian firm to manufacture 750,000 of these assault rifles.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that around 170 military and industrial facilities have been set up in India with assistance from their country. “The new joint venture will manufacture world famous Kalashnikov assault rifles of the newest 200 series and eventually will reach full localisation of production,” he said in a statement.

Modi said Amethi was the perfect example of the BJP’s policy of ‘Sabka saath, sabka vikas’. “Now, Amethi will not be known for a famous family but for AK 203, ‘Made in Amethi’. These rifles will help our jawans in encounters with naxals and terrorists,” he added.

“AK 203 is the latest derivative of the famous AK 47 assault rifles which will help in arming the security forces besides giving Amethi a new identity,” he said.

The PM taking a dig at the Congress said that is misused the country’s resources. The Amethi ordnance factory, launched in 2007, was supposed to begin production from 2010 but no action was taken.

“Tall promises were made. Your local MP promised that he would ensure employment to 1,500 locals in this ordnance factory but merely 200 got jobs. Imagine those who couldn’t ensure jobs to people in Amethi are now lecturing on employment,” Modi said, adding that the AK-203 would be the best publicity for Amethi.

Modi also unveiled projects including steel processing unit worth Rs 9,200 crore and various other projects such as upgradation of Amethi bus station and reconstruction of depot workshop at a cost of Rs 496.80 crore, construction of rest houses and shops at Amethi bus station at Rs 139 crore and construction of main building of primary health centre at Rs 167 crore.