Peace Weapon' Kalashnikov seeks unit in Gujarat

[mirage2K]

'Peace Weapon' Kalashnikov seeks unit in Gujarat
Dec 6, 2014, 01.44AM IST

Mikhail Kalashnikov, designer of the AK-47 assault rifle. (File photo)
AHMEDABAD: The AK-47 assault rifle, the first choice for peace-keepers as well as a deadly weapon for terror groups across the globe, is all set to fire rounds of production in Gujarat.

Industry department sources confirmed that the machine gun makers Kalashnikov Concern has approached the state government with a proposal to set up a plant in Gujarat, in line with the liberalized defence manufacturing policy.

Kalashnikov officials recently met key state officials for preliminary discussions. "They will visit again during Vibrant Gujarat summit in January 2015 and hopefully seal the deal," said a senior official.

The development comes in the backdrop of Russia expressing keen interest in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make In India' campaign. Apart from oil and gas, agro-processing and logistics, defence products manufacturing is a key area where investments could flow. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India on December 10 and 11.

Kalashnikov, founded in 1947, is headquartered in Izhevsk, Russia. Currently, AK guns and its variants are manufactured in over 32 countries. Over 100 million AKs are pegged to be in use across the world. It has been recently rebranded as 'Kalashnikov Concern' positioning it as a weapon of peace and calm.

‘Peace Weapon’ Kalashnikov proposes to set up plant in Gandhi’s Gujarat - The Times of India

 

[Sliver]

Is that manufacturing as a hub for export? or is that as a base for only manufacturing the orders that India would place?

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

Is that manufacturing as a hub for export? or is that as a base for only manufacturing the orders that India would place?

I guess only for india..

 

[Abingdonboy]

Is that manufacturing as a hub for export? or is that as a base for only manufacturing the orders that India would place?

Both but mostly for export, the AK has little future in Indian service anymore.

 

[The_Sidewinder]

Another product in line under MAKE IN INDIA iniciative. Good to see that. lets see where it takes us.
To Kalashnikov

 

[Sneaker]

Good move by AK. If they can make it in India, higher versions like 74 and 100 series might have a good chance atleast for police and paramilitary. AKs are damn good for Indian conditions..

 

[shree835]

Is that manufacturing as a hub for export? or is that as a base for only manufacturing the orders that India would place?

This will be for Indian requirement and export too.

 

[Sergi]

Both but mostly for export, the AK has little future in Indian service anymore.

Thats a stretch .... Even if IA get more sophisticated ARs in future need of AKs will never be over. Price tag of AK will make it ideal for our paramilitary forces and police forces.

And thats why Kalashnikov is setting up production line to qualify in "Make in India" norms.

 

[Capt.Popeye]

Good move by Kalashnikov to set up a factory in Gujarat. A suitable location is Porbandar.
Next move should be; a Vodka factory in Ahmedabad by the Sabarmati.

 

[Tshering22]

Both but mostly for export, the AK has little future in Indian service anymore.

Not really. Ghatak platoons, special units and RR all prefer AKs over anything NATO ammo.

Good move by Kalashnikov to set up a factory in Gujarat. A suitable location is Porbandar.
Next move should be; a Vodka factory in Ahmedabad by the Sabarmati.

If one could wish them...

 

[Juggernautjatt]

Wish govt. allow it on licence to its citizens .( pun intended)
I know it will be disadvantageous for our society, so I have to control my emotions of gun collector .

On topic:
It will be interesting to see who will become their Indian partner as only 49% FDI is allowed in defence sector.

 

[Abingdonboy]

Not really. Ghatak platoons, special units and RR all prefer AKs over anything NATO ammo.



If one could wish them...

Thats a stretch .... Even if IA get more sophisticated ARs in future need of AKs will never be over. Price tag of AK will make it ideal for our paramilitary forces and police forces.

And thats why Kalashnikov is setting up production line to qualify in "Make in India" norms.

The MCIWS will take care of the need for two different rifles in IA service (a 5.56mm and 7.62mm one) and thus the INSAS and AK will both be out of service in the IA within a decade (beginning in 4-5 years) so realistically the CAPFs are the only viable serious customers in India going ahead. I'm sure this factory will be used more as an export hub.

 

[Koovie]

Not really. Ghatak platoons, special units and RR all prefer AKs over anything NATO ammo.


.

Thats why the Army is running the multi caliber rifle tender.

 

[Tshering22]

The MCIWS will take care of the need for two different rifles in IA service (a 5.56mm and 7.62mm one) and thus the INSAS and AK will both be out of service in the IA within a decade (beginning in 4-5 years) so realistically the CAPFs are the only viable serious customers in India going ahead. I'm sure this factory will be used more as an export hub.

MCIWS is still nowhere close to induction. Not to mention that we will have to see how reliable it is in terms of maintenance and handling in adverse conditions. Nothing to day beats the durability of AKs, whether it is himalayas, deserts, coasts or humid jungles -- the rifle is a workhorse.

Thats why the Army is running the multi caliber rifle tender.

Infantry will use the 5.56 ammunition rifles that will replace the INSAS. However, special units still prefer the AKs. Maybe modern variants but it is one lethal machine; not to mention, reliable in any weather condition.

Kalashnikov created a legend and it is going to stay at least in special units.

 

[Sergi]

Good move by Kalashnikov to set up a factory in Gujarat. A suitable location is Porbandar.
Next move should be; a Vodka factory in Ahmedabad by the Sabarmati.

" हे राम "

The MCIWS will take care of the need ............................................

. I'm sure this factory will be used more as an export hub.

1. I understand what you are saying in first post itself. That why I said its a stretch !!!!

2. Why a hub in India to export ????
If it doesn't has any hopes to sell it doesn't make a sense to establish a production facility here. Better have a production facility in a country who is supposed to a customer .

And you sure it has nothing to do with " make in India"