Amethi, July 18 -- The AK-203 assault rifles used by Indian soldiers will be completely made in India by the end of 2025, said CEO and MD of Indo Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), Major General SK Sharma.

Sharma said 50 per cent of the work is already indigenised, and full local production will speed up deliveries in the coming years.

He said the Indian armed forces will receive a total of 70,000 AK-203 assault rifles by the end of this year, with 48,000 already delivered, as part of a larger order of over 6 lakh rifles aimed at boosting infantry firepower.

Speaking to ANI, Major General SK Sharma said, "If you ask a soldier, then his most reliable friend is an assault rifle... AK-203 will be the most reliable thing in the future...