Russia has signed the first export contracts for the new AK-19 Kalashnikov assault rifle, created under the NATO cartridge. On the air of Sputnik radio, the dignity of weapons and their export capabilities were evaluated by military experts Alexey Leonkov and Viktor Litovkin.
Russia has signed the first export contracts for the supply of a new Kalashnikov AK-19, created under the NATO cartridge, the press secretary of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) told RIA Novosti Valeria Reshetnikova. According to her, great interest has been shown in this product.
The new machine gun was created on the basis of the AK-12, but with a NATO cartridge of 5.56 by 45 millimeters. For the first time, the AK-19 was presented abroad at the IDEX-2021 exhibition, which was held in Abu Dhabi in February.
On the air of Sputnik radio, military expert Alexey Leonkov spoke about the features of the new Kalashnikov assault rifle.
"The AK-19 does not have a firing mode with a cut-off queue of two rounds, that is, this is a slightly simplified version. There is a flame extinguisher on the AK-19, a silencer can be installed. The machine is equipped with Picatinny rails, which make it possible to use various attachments, as well as a telescopic butt. There is a pistol grip, which simplifies the use of the machine. Everything is done according to the requirements that exist in NATO countries for small arms. The design was refined to eliminate recoil, the accuracy of firing increased. We offer a reliable system that, as they say, does not burn in fire, does not sink in water – it works in any climatic conditions," Alexey Leonkov said.
A military observer, retired Colonel Viktor Litovkin, in turn, suggested which countries could become potential buyers of these weapons.
"The countries of Central and South America, the countries of Southeast Asia, India, African countries – they will be happy to buy a new Kalashnikov AK-19, created under the NATO cartridge. In these countries, the production of cartridges of this caliber has been established. The countries of the Middle East, whose armies use the 5.56 caliber, will also be of interest," Viktor Litovkin said on Sputnik radio.
