Caracas. June 3. INTERFAX-Russia continues to build a factory in Venezuela for the licensed production of AK-103 and ammunition, a source familiar with the work told Interfax.
"The construction is not frozen, the work is in full swing. Construction materials, engineering and technical equipment are being imported, and not only Russian-made, construction works are underway - everything is already ready for 80 percent, " the agency's interlocutor said.
According to him, the next stage of work is the installation of technological equipment.
He found it difficult to answer when the construction of the plant will be completed.
Earlier, the director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) of the Russian Federation Dmitry Shugaev reported that the plant for the production of Kalashnikov assault rifles in Venezuela will be launched in 2020-2021. "2020-2021. Taking into account the situation in this country, " Shugaev told reporters at the MAKS-2019 air show.
The head of Rostec, Sergey Chemezov, previously said that the United States is interfering with the construction of a plant in Venezuela for the production of Kalashnikov assault rifles.
"We are also building a factory for the production of Kalashnikov assault rifles and ammunition. Because of the sanctions, construction is constantly being slowed down - then the electricity will be turned off, then the components do not give the opportunity to drive, machines," the head of Rostec noted earlier.