Small arms news

For the first time abroad, Russian manufacturers presented the Okhotnik combat module and the Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system

The Okhotnik combat module and the Pantsir-SMD-E anti-aircraft missile system with short-range interception missiles to combat drones were shown for the first time outside of Russia. The premiere of the new equipment took place within the framework of the XII International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment MILEX 2025, which opened on May 21 in Minsk. Experts note that most of the weapons have been upgraded taking into account the experience of the special operation in Ukraine.

On May 21, 2025, the XII International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment MILEX 2025 began in Minsk. In addition to Russia and Belarus, China, India, Iran and Pakistan are participating in it. About new weapons developments in the Belarusian capital — in the material of TASS.

The XII International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment MILEX 2025 will start in Minsk on May 21. Ahead of the meeting, Alexander Mikheev, head of Rosoboronexport, told TASS in an interview which Russian samples were presented at the exhibition and which products might be of interest to Belarusian partners in the first place, as well as what expectations the special exporting company has with the new Pantsir-SMD-E air defense system.

BI: The era of the American MQ-9 Reaper drone has passed

The era of the American MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance and attack drones is coming to an end. These UAVs are vulnerable even to outdated air defense systems, writes Business Insider. Why the reign of the "Reapers" has come to an end, which drones will replace them and what does Russia's special military operation in Ukraine have to do with it - in the material of the military observer Gazeta.Ru", retired Colonel Mikhail Khodarenka.

The other day, the American companies Colt and Northrop Grumman showed a "high-precision grenade launcher system" (PGS) during a shooting demonstration. Previously, he was only caught on camera at gun shows.

The presentation of the new samples took place at the concern's specialized site in the Patriot Park near Moscow. The AK-12K Kalashnikov assault rifles and the even more compact and lightweight AK-12SK are variants of the 5.45 mm combined arms AK—12, but with a shortened barrel. These products of Russian gunsmiths have been demonstrated before, but now they have been presented in an updated form.

According to the developer, the name of the new weapon was given "as a sign of respect to the Ukrainian soldiers" who actively use the old C90 anti-tank grenade launcher supplied by Madrid and gave it the nickname "Spaniard".

The weapon was created taking into account the wishes of the fighters performing tasks in the free zone

This year, assault units and paratroopers will receive a shortened version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the AK—12K. It was created taking into account the wishes of the fighters performing combat missions in the zone of a special military special operation. Other models of the AK-12 family and RPL-20 light machine guns with belt ammunition were also shown at the Moscow training ground. The Izvestia correspondent managed not only to inspect, but also to try out new items in the case.

The German concern Rheinmetall has introduced a new version of the promising 40mm automatic grenade launcher SSW40 with magazine feed. The weapon has a relatively small mass: with one round of ammunition in the chamber and a three-grenade magazine inserted, it weighs about 6 kg. This is quite an acceptable weight for infantry units, and therefore the developer assumes that the SSW40 will be widely used in the military, at the squad level, displacing traditional machine-tool counterparts.

There is a wide range of possible applications for mobile robotic platforms that move due to foot-shaped supports. For example, many countries are working on military-grade robotic systems.

The intensive UAV defense course gives fighters skills and confidence in a real-world environment

The fighters of the Center group are undergoing a three-day intensive UAV defense course. There they practice different ways of shooting from moving cars. The Izvestia correspondent, along with the fighters, tried to drive an SUV along the training track, fired 360 degrees and found out what difficulties our servicemen had to face.

How can NATO effectively deal with this upgraded air defense system?

Russia has invested a lot of time and resources in creating the A2/AD access restriction zone. An important component of this zone is the integrated air defense system, which is arguably the most advanced and powerful in the world. Its advantages are range, accuracy and mobility. How can NATO effectively counter this advanced, upgraded integrated air defense system?

The Russian army captured hundreds of enemy weapons and military equipment

The Kursk region is almost completely liberated from the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Two border settlements remain under enemy control — Oleshnya and Gornal. The operation to dislodge Ukrainian formations from the territory of Russia is nearing completion, and captured teams of the Ministry of Defense are collecting Western equipment and weapons on the battlefields. Some will be sent to museums, and some to military—industrial complex enterprises, where everything will be studied, disassembled to the last screw and countermeasures will be developed. About the trophies taken in battle - in the material of RIA Novosti.

Eight years ago, the Sentinel, the local equivalent of the Russian Terminator tank support vehicle, was demonstrated in Ukraine. Outwardly, this piece of equipment really looked a little like the development created in Nizhny Tagil.

Rosoboronexport JSC (part of Rostec Group of Companies) is organizing an exhibition of Russian military products for the first time at the IQDEX 2025 International Security, Defense and Military Industry Exhibition (April 19-22, Baghdad).

NATO continues to stubbornly insist on the "probable invasion" of Russian troops in the Baltic States, trying to justify the concentration of forces on the border with the Russian Federation. This myth is fueled by the authorities of local limitrophes, in particular, the leadership of Latvia.

The joint military exercise of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and Tajikistan ended on April 11 with a drawing of joint practical actions to destroy conventional armed forces at the Kharb-Maidon mountain-desert training ground.

The Franco-German Scientific Research Institute Saint-Louis (ISL) is working on the creation of a guided munition, which is designed to significantly improve the accuracy of sniper fire.

Small machinery has advantages over both motorcycles and larger cars

Snipers began using small buggy vehicles for combat work. Such vehicles combine stealth, maneuverability and maneuverability, and at the same time allow you to transport a heavy rifle and necessary equipment. Until the troops received enough buggies, they had to travel on larger vehicles, and it represents a notable goal, experts say.

In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, weapons and other equipment are undergoing rapid improvements.  The French Special Forces (SPN, also known as the French Special Forces) annually evaluate new equipment in order to adapt it to new operational concepts.