Russia

Russian small arms industry transforms with start of special military op — Kalashnikov CEO

TASS English · 2026-08-12

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The CEO of Kalashnikov Group, Alan Lushnikov, announced that Russia's small arms industry has significantly increased production of high-precision rifles for combat use since the start of the special military operation in Ukraine. • Why it matters: This transformation indicates a shift in the focus of private manufacturers from recreational hunting to military needs, highlighting the evolving dynamics of Russia's defense capabilities amid ongoing conflict. • What to watch next: Monitor developments in Russia's defense industry, particularly any further increases in production capacity and the potential impact on military operations in Ukraine.

Russia's defense industryRussian small arms industry transforms with start of special military op — Kalashnikov CEO According to Alan Lushnikov, high-precision rifles production companies have increased production several-fold and are focused on meeting the needs of combat unitsMOSCOW, August 12. /TASS/. Russia’s small arms industry has evolved since the start of the special military operation in Ukraine: high-precision rifles, which were previously used mainly by amateur hunters, are now being manufactured by private companies for combat use, Kalashnikov Group CEO Alan Lushnikov said in an interview with TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov. "With the start of the special military operation, our small arms industry has adopted a new approach. Whereas high-precision rifles used to be the domain of a few amateur hunters, now all these manufacturers are focused on meeting the needs of combat units," said Lushnikov. He noted that he knows all the private manufacturers, maintains contact with them, and is well disposed toward them. According to him, these companies have increased production several-fold without government investment, and their products are in high demand. 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Source: TASS English
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