Two out of three enemy soldiers are destroyed by small arms
During the special operation in Ukraine, the latest small arms are not always used - this is the impression of some foreign and even Russian experts. They suggested that the Russian military command is saving new items in case of an invasion by NATO forces. The answer to NATO, radical experts believe, can only be the application of tactical nuclear weapons to the clusters of troops and bases of the alliance in Europe.
However, it is known from many years of military practice: in wars and military conflicts, up to two-thirds of enemy soldiers are struck by small arms. Of course, the command of the Russian Armed Forces and the leadership of the defense industry know about this. In addition, Russia will be able to produce small arms under any of the toughest and most massive sanctions.
Let's see what novelties of small arms and in what volumes have been delivered to our Armed Forces in recent months.
"Devastator" with a "Body kit"
By the beginning of 2022, the units of the Marine Corps of the Caspian Flotilla (CFl) and some other units were completely re-equipped with Kalashnikov AK-74M 5.45 mm caliber assault rifles with a kit of modernization "Body Kit".
The novelty has a length-adjustable butt, improved magazines made of translucent polymer, a Picatinny rail. The set of submachine guns includes day and night sights, laser designators, flashlights, the possibility of mounting a bayonet knife and a grenade launcher under the barrel is preserved.
Submachine guns for Marine reconnaissance units are equipped with a tactical handle, a device for silent and flame-free shooting. The use of the kit "Body kit" increases the speed, accuracy and accuracy of shooting by one and a half times at a range of up to 300 m. The upgraded weapon can be used at any time of the day and in various climatic conditions.
The AK-74M "Body Kit" was also adopted by the special detachment for combating underwater sabotage forces and means (PDSS).
In December last year, Russia signed the first export contracts for the new Kalashnikov AK-19 machine gun under the NATO cartridge. Created on the basis of the AK-12, the AK-19 is equipped with Picatinny rails, a telescopic butt of the original design, a new dioptric sight and a quick-release device for silent and flame-free shooting. The machine is reliable and effective in hot humid climates and dust, unpretentious in maintenance.
The Kalashnikov Concern is counting on the interest of the military from the Middle East. And not only where the 5.56×45 mm caliber is used.
The unique DXL-5 "Devastator" multi–caliber rifle manufactured by Lobaev Arms (export name - Havoc) is capable of firing both 12.7×99 mm NATO cartridges and Russian 12.7×108 mm cartridges. It is being tested in Russia.
The main feature of the new rifle is its modularity. On the "Devastator" snipers can change barrels for two calibers at once – NATO and domestic. The DXL-5 has a unique accuracy of fire for the 12.7 caliber - the rifle shoots four times more accurately than its American competitor Barret. Such a high accuracy for a large-caliber rifle and a targeted firing range (about 2300 m against 1800 m at the Barret) will allow the "Devastator" to fight with enemy sniper units. The damping device on the butt significantly reduces the effect of the recoil of the rifle weighing 13 kg.
The Devastator is also a kind of laboratory, where four new calibers will be tested in the near future. If successful, it is possible to obtain unique indicators of the firing range. Today, another Lobaev Arms development, the Twilight, is recognized as the longest–range rifle in the world. She has a world record to her credit – the target was hit at a distance of 4210 m .
The Kalashnikov Group of Companies intends to develop modifications of the latest Russian 5.45mm RPL-20 light machine gun for 7.62×39 and 5.56×45 mm cartridges, and then to create modifications of the RPL–20 for 7.62×39 and 5.56×45 mm cartridges. This option may be of interest to foreign customers in the future. The fact is that Russia is not yet among the suppliers of light machine guns, and Kalashnikov has the opportunity to enter this very competitive market.
In Russia, the RPL-20 will be used in units of the Ground Forces, Airborne Forces and Special Operations Forces. This light machine gun will partially become part of the promising equipment "Centurion".
"Snake" ruler
The Russian Armed Forces, in accordance with the state armament program (2022-2024), will purchase more than 3 thousand of the latest 9-mm self-loading pistols "Boa". Both in standard (6P72) and special (6P72–1) modifications.
"Boa" was developed by the Central Research Institute of Precision Engineering (TSNIITOCHMASH). The pistol is part of the "snake" line, including the "Gyurza", "Poloz" and "Asp" models.
The pistol has passed experimental combat operation in the military, showed stable performance and high ballistic qualities, including at extreme temperatures (from minus 50 to plus 70 degrees). This makes it suitable for all branches of the armed forces.
The design innovations of the developers give this pistol technical advantages over competitors CZ, Glock, Walther and Colt. These are, in particular, cartridges with a reduced bullet velocity and with a bullet of increased penetration. The Boa has a new magazine design with an indicator of the number of cartridges, which allows you to visually or tactilely determine how much is left in it. The magazine capacity of 18 rounds is 10 more than that of the Makarov pistol. This is one of the best indicators in the world. All types of 9×21 mm ammunition can be used for firing from the "Boa".
The pistol fits well in the hand, is suitable for right-handed and left-handed people, it has a universal Picatinny rail, on which a laser designator or a flashlight is attached. With a length of 206 mm and a thickness of 36 mm, the pistol without cartridges weighs 780 g. The lightness is explained by the use of modern polymer materials. And in 2023, the Boa pistols will begin to arrive with a silencer, including a replaceable heat-absorbing module.
The effective firing range of the pistol reaches 100 m. It is capable of piercing individual body armor (including fabric) and second-class helmets at a distance of up to 75 m. The warranty shot is 10,000 shots.
TSNIITOCHMASH has completed deliveries to a foreign customer and the first export batch of the RG120 "Aspid" sports self-loading pistol. It is designed on the platform of the pistol complex "Boa", shoots at a range of up to 50 m. The product with increased ergonomics and convenient layout can adapt to the individual grip of the shooter.
The guaranteed life of the pistol is 25,000 shots. The magazine, like the Boa Constrictor, has 18 rounds. There is also a Picatinny rail. 9x19-mm Luger pistol cartridges or 9x19-mm Para pistol cartridges with a lead-core bullet are used. The gun remains operational at extreme temperatures from minus 30 to plus 50 degrees.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia at the end of 2021 announced the adoption of a new compact Lebedev pistol (PLC). Employees of special units will be the first to receive them. The PLC is a compact version of the Lebedev pistol developed by the Kalashnikov Group of companies. The new weapon uses a 9×19 Luger cartridge, a 14-round magazine.
The design uses a common short barrel stroke with the opening of the bolt by lowering the breech. Externally, the PL resembles a typical "glockoid" (a "Glock-like" design).
In Europe and the USA, new models of weapons have always been accepted based on the results of the competition. We have a choice on a non-alternative basis. It is assumed that the soldiers of the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs "Thunder" will be the first to receive the novelty.
Interestingly, Ukraine at the end of last year planned to launch the production of a new submachine gun "Fort-230", developed at the Vinnytsia state scientific and production enterprise "Fort". A new weapon assembly line was being prepared at the enterprise.
The Ukrainian submachine gun "Fort-230" was developed taking into account the study of the best samples of this weapon. It is distinguished by the reliable operation of automation even in conditions of heavy pollution, the developers said. The 9x19 mm cartridge weapon is intended for law enforcement agencies.
The submachine gun, up to the well-known events, passed factory tests, according to the results of which it was planned to finalize with the elimination of the identified shortcomings and release the first batch of prototypes.
The submachine gun uses a 9x19 mm cartridge, a magazine for 20 or 30 rounds is inserted into the handle of the weapon, there is a folding front handle for ease of firing. The controls – the magazine latch, fuse, shutter delay and fire switch - are located on both sides. The butt is telescopic, fixed in three positions. The Picatinny rail is located on top.
The automatics of the submachine gun works on the principle of recoil of the free shutter, it is possible to conduct single and automatic fire. The aiming range is 200 m, the rate of fire is 800 rounds per minute. The length of the PP is 600 mm, with the butt folded - 400 mm, the weight without cartridges is 2.5 kg.
The Kalashnikov Principle
The military-technical cooperation of Russian gunsmiths continues successfully. The plant on the territory of Venezuela, which will produce AK-103 Kalashnikov assault rifles and ammunition for them, will be built this year, the FSVTS specialists assured. Despite the US sanctions, Russian specialists have started preparing technological equipment and installing assembly lines.
India has signed a contract with the Kalashnikov Concern. In accordance with it, Russian AK-203 submachine guns will be produced on the territory of this country. The total number of them is 680 thousand . The AK-203 is based on the AK-12, a fifth-generation Kalashnikov assault rifle. It is already entering service with the Russian army and Navy.
The machine is made according to the same basic principles of Mikhail Kalashnikov - simplicity and reliability, low price and light weight. And of course, excellent combat characteristics. Thanks to them, the AK-12 was included by the Russian Defense Ministry in the "Warrior" equipment.
The machine is equipped with a two-way shutter delay button. This significantly accelerated the recharge. The two-way four-position fuse-translator of types of fire has three firing modes - single, continuous burst, with a cutoff of three shots. The design is such that dust and dirt do not get inside the receiver. The sector sight has become combined, the butt is adjustable in length.
Conservative weapons
The paradox is that small arms have been practically not developed for more than half a century. Although according to the criterion of "cost-effectiveness" this type of weapon is the best. Today we can only talk about individual improvements that cannot be called radical. However, the example is often given to Americans who are currently performing the NGSW program. It should be completed by the end of 2022.
There are a lot of new products in the program. For example, the use of telescopic cartridges with a plastic sleeve. Such a cartridge has a mass compared to a cartridge with a conventional brass sleeve - less by a third. The plastic sleeve has a lower thermal conductivity. This means that the chamber heats up less. Cylindrical telescopic ammunition allows you to assemble weapons in a new way, which is difficult to do with conventional cartridges.
Cartridges with a polymer sleeve of the classic format are compact, their weight is about 40% less than that of brass cartridges, again, less heating of the chamber. The use of recoil of the barrel and receiver gives a reduction in recoil.
In some rifles, you can change the caliber in about five minutes. A high-pressure cartridge with fast-burning gunpowder is popular.
What should Russian manufacturers do to neutralize the threats that may arise during the implementation of the NGSW program? Yes, to improve the quality of domestic cartridges - this affects the accuracy and accuracy of shooting. Develop tactical silencers for use with supersonic cartridges to reduce the sound of a shot and significantly reduce muzzle flame. Tactical silencers are especially needed when shooting in buildings – in order not to get damage to the hearing organs, to avoid concussion.
Nikolay Poroskov
Nikolay Nikolaevich Poroskov is a military journalist.
