ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Firearms producer Kalashnikov is exhibiting its new AK-19 rifle for the primary time outdoors of Russia throughout an arms trade show within the United Arab Emirates.
The assault rifle meets NATO’s caliber requirements: It’s chambered for five.56 x 45mm rounds, and it has a Picatinny rail, a brand new collapsible folding inventory to regulate size, improved aperture sight and a quick-detachable suppressor.
The gun relies on the AK-12, which was accepted into service by the Russian navy in 2018. The AK-19 is compact and appropriate for hid carry.
Protection Information requested the Russian firm’s CEO, Dmitry Tarasov, why it will design a NATO-friendly rifle when there are measures in place that forestall NATO members from shopping for it.
“The 5.56 × 45mm spherical has been historically utilized by many international locations of the [Middle East], Southeast Asia and Latin America. It’s a enormous market, and plenty of international locations in these areas view the weapons originating from Russia with a lot respect. AK-19 is aimed to woo these markets,” Tarasov replied. “The [Middle East] area is, certainly, in our focus as a fast-growing marketplace for protection merchandise. Our legendary model is well-established within the area, and we’re planning to construct upon that.”
At IDEX, Kalashnikov can also be showcasing numerous navy and industrial firearms, speedboats, and fire-and-forget missiles, industrial UAVs, and bulletproof gear and tools for particular forces. “Now we have introduced such a wide range of merchandise as a result of we really feel the ME is the fitting marketplace for them and we’re seeing a variety of curiosity from delegations at IDEX,” Tarasov instructed Protection Information.
So which of Kalashnikov’s merchandise are getting essentially the most consideration from potential Mideast clients?
“I’d prioritize assault rifles, together with the 100s and 200s sequence [of] AKs. Now we have unveiled our new AK-19 chambered for NATO rounds. Our new PLK compact pistol that has simply accomplished trials in Russia is a good product. We put it on the market as a compact pistol that has wonderful ergonomics and can cater for the wants of police, paramilitary and safety forces,” Tarasov mentioned.
When requested what the following Kalashnikov will appear to be, Tarasov mentioned: “I cannot disclose that, however I’ll provide you with a touch: We like trendy and even futuristic design, we go for ergonomic options.”
