A significant milestone in the indigenisation of infantry equipment has been achieved by India Optel Limited (IOL). The defence public sector undertaking has successfully completed the development and user trials of a fully indigenous telescopic sight tailored for the Indian Army’s AK-203 assault rifles.
The new optical system, designated IOL-TS-203, has been cleared for bulk production following rigorous testing. Deliveries for the initial order are scheduled to commence in mid-2026.
Successful Trials in Extreme Conditions
The IOL-TS-203, a 1-6×24 low-power variable optic (LPVO), underwent extensive field evaluations between August and November 2025. These trials were supervised by the Infantry Directorate and the Master General of Ordnance branch.To ensure reliability across India’s diverse operational environments, the sights were tested in the high-altitude terrain of Sikkim and the arid desert ranges of Rajasthan. The system successfully withstood these extremes, validating its durability and performance under live-fire conditions.
Technical Specifications and Features
The IOL-TS-203 weighs 480 grams, including the mount, and is engineered to enhance the combat effectiveness of the 7.62×39 mm AK-203 rifle. Key features include:- Versatile Magnification: A true 1× magnification setting allows for both-eyes-open usage in close-quarters battle, while the 6× magnification extends engagement capability.
- Illuminated Reticle: The first-focal-plane reticle is specifically calibrated for the ballistic trajectory of the AK-203 out to 600 metres. It features a daylight-bright red dot mode for rapid target acquisition.
- Robust Construction: The optic is nitrogen-purged and sealed to IP67 standards, making it waterproof and fog-proof. It is shock-tested to withstand forces up to 1,000 g.
- Fail-Safe Design: The reticle is etched directly onto the glass, ensuring it remains visible to the soldier even in the event of battery failure.
A Leap in Indigenisation
This development marks a shift away from foreign dependency. Previous batches of the AK-203, manufactured at the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) facility in Korwa, Uttar Pradesh, were equipped with imported optics from Belarus and Israel.In contrast, the IOL-TS-203 is 100 per cent designed and manufactured within India. The optical lenses are ground and coated at Optel’s facility in Hyderabad using domestically sourced optical glass, while the ruggedised metal housing is machined at Ordnance Factory Ambajhari.
This achievement effectively eliminates the last major imported component of the standard-issue infantry weapon.
Production and Economic Impact
The Indian Army has placed an initial firm order for 85,000 units of the new sight. Deliveries are set to begin in June 2026 and will progressively replace the foreign sights currently in use on the 70,000 AK-203 rifles inducted since 2023.The indigenous sight is priced at approximately ₹48,000 per unit, which is less than half the cost of the original Belarussian alternative, resulting in substantial savings for the defence budget.
IOL has ramped up its annual production capacity to 1,20,000 units to meet the requirements of both the Army and paramilitary forces, with surplus capacity identified for potential export markets.
Background on the AK-203 Programme
The AK-203 is a modernised derivative of the Kalashnikov series, chambered for the 7.62×39 mm cartridge. It is being produced in India through a joint venture, Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), established to replace the ageing INSAS rifle inventory.The rifle combines the legendary reliability of the AK platform with modern ergonomics, such as picatinny rails, which are essential for mounting contemporary sighting systems like the newly developed IOL-TS-203.
