The Kerala Police will become the first state force in India to be equipped with AK-203 rifles, currently utilized by the Indian Army, following a government sanction of 1.3 crore for their procurement. This move, part of the Centre’s Modernisation of Police Forces initiative, involves an initial purchase of 100 rifles, with plans for an additional 150. The AK-203, developed as part of the latest Kalashnikov series, features advanced capabilities, including a firing rate of up to 700 rounds per minute and a magazine capacity of 30 or 50 rounds. The indigenously produced components constitute around 60% of the rifle’s parts, highlighting India’s commitment to enhancing domestic manufacturing in defense.