Defence Industries Shows Off Locally Made Russian Kalashnikov

Locally licensed version of the Russian Kalashnikov AK-103 assault rifle is now assembled in Nigeria by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.

The corporation said it was able to assemble about 1,000 units of the upgraded “DG-103” rifle in two months of start of operations in Kaduna.

The Chief Executive Officer of DICON-D7G, Mr Osman Chennar, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the company’s headquarters in Abuja.

The Director, Land Systems, Innovation, Research and Development at DICON-D7G, retired Maj.-Gen. Mainasara Masanawa, who briefed journalists on behalf of the CEO, described the successful assemblage as a major breakthrough..

He said all rifles in the first batch had passed rigorous testing and certification, meeting operational standards of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.

“With full operations now underway, our target is to produce 60 million rounds of ammunition annually, reaffirming the company’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence ecosystem,” he said.

Defense Industries Corporation would by February 2026 acquire a military jetty in Lagos, he said, adding that the facility would host a production line, warehouses and accommodation for personnel.

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He said the acquisition would significantly scale up local capacity and open new windows for exporting defence equipment to neighbouring African countries.

According to him, the milestones represent only the beginning of broader efforts to deepen self-reliance and enhance national security readiness.

“DICON–D7G is a central player in the defence industrialisation component of the Renewed Hope agenda,” a NAN report said.