India has reached a major milestone in defence self-reliance with the production and successful testing of its first fully indigenous AK-203 ‘Sher’ rifle. Manufactured at the Korwa facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, the system uses 100% Indian components and raw materials, marking a significant step towards reducing dependence on imported defence equipment. The development reflects India’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat push to build domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, strengthen local supply chains and increase indigenous value addition in strategic sectors.