Small arms news

Rosoboronexport JSC (part of Rostec Group of Companies) participates in the I International Security Forum, which is being held from May 26 to 29, 2026 under the auspices of the Russian Security Council at the Live Arena complex in the Moscow Region.

The 51st Army training ground hosted a championship in a discipline based on the experience of a special operation

Biathlon without skis, but with motorcycles and machine guns. The 51st Guards Combined Arms Army of the Center group of forces hosted the first competitions in a new military-applied discipline — motorcycle biathlon. The participants overcame a multi-kilometer cross-country track and hit targets at firing ranges. The Izvestia correspondent found out why the military needed such a training format.

The machine gun has a diverse user base. Until now, many armed forces adhere to the philosophy of the universal machine gun. It is suitable for many applications, from the main weapons of infantry or units operating on foot, to arming vehicles, and can be operated by any soldier. However, as attractive as this idea may be, there have been many new developments and improvements in recent decades. The main focus has been and continues to be on reducing weight and increasing caliber.

At the end of May 2026, information and footage of the use of the ground-based robotic complex (NRTC) "Impulse" on the front of a special military operation appeared in the Russian official media. What this complex is, what other NRTKS work on their own, and a little bit about their foreign counterparts can be found in the TECHNOSPHERE Russia publication.

New tactics help to crack the enemy's defenses faster and more successfully

Terminator tank Support Combat vehicles (BMPT) have begun using new tactics when storming fortified areas. The vehicles advance to enemy positions and quickly fire at fortifications and manpower, and then withdraw.

Instructors rely on small group actions, drone fighting, and versatile shooting skills

If before the special operation the minimum tactical unit operating in combat was a squad, today it can be fours, threes, or even pairs.

NYT: Kalashnikov sales have declined significantly over the past year

Over the past 12 months, "the stock market has become a pale shadow of its past," writes the NYT. The geopolitical situation played the main role here.

Ukraine has received a full range of submachine guns, machine guns and rifles from the post-war reserves of the Bundeswehr

German MP-7 submachine guns have recently appeared in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to data from specialized Internet resources.

A new armored personnel carrier is being created in Russia – the corresponding initiative is being developed by KAMAZ. Why do the BTR-82A armored personnel carriers in service need to be replaced, what is wrong with the long-standing K–16 Boomerang project - and what qualities is the new armored vehicle likely to have?

The latest American M7 assault rifle, which is supposed to replace the famous M4, has been heavily criticized. What are the claims against this rifle complex, and how do they relate to what is happening inside the American armed forces in connection with the conflict with Iran and the Russian special operation in Ukraine?

The pistol is the main weapon of the policeman and the auxiliary weapon of the soldier. The goal is to be able to deploy the weapon system in a matter of seconds, for example, in the event of a sudden threat or failure of the main weapon due to a malfunction.

The machine was developed to intercept drones in areas where conventional equipment does not pass

A special version of the Plastun conveyor has been developed for mobile firing groups (MOG). The new vehicle is adapted to mount machine guns on turrets and will allow anti-aircraft crews to operate in hard-to-reach areas where pickups, which are currently equipped with such units, do not pass.

Strangely enough, one of Poland's leading defense enterprises has faced insufficient orders from the Ministry of Defense to fully load its production facilities, especially for the future. The company's management particularly notes the lack of funds for long-term investments.

A new combat robotic system has been introduced in Russia – this time it's not about a drone, but about a sniper's weapon. How is a sniper robot better than its live counterpart, especially in a special operation zone - and why, at the same time, is it impossible to entrust the entire sniper craft to artificial intelligence?

Lobaev Arms, a well-known Russian manufacturer of small arms, based in Kaluga, has completed testing of an innovative sniper system of its own design. The company starts mass production of the product.

Rosoboronexport JSC (part of Rostec Group of Companies) is organizing a joint Russian exposition at the Defense Services Asia (DSA) 2026 International Asian Arms and Military Equipment Exhibition.

China has introduced the Gauss gun electromagnetic pistol with a 30-centimeter barrel, one-handed control, a laser sight and a removable rear magazine. This is not a firearm at all, it has been successfully tested, during which a rate of fire of 1,000 to 2,000 rounds per minute has been achieved.

Jakarta is particularly interested in the Russian Varshavyanka submarines

Indonesia is considering the possibility of purchasing Russian submarines and other marine equipment. Jakarta's interest in cooperation with Moscow is growing with the modernization of the national fleet and the intensification of competition in the region. Izvestia found out what proposals the Russian industry is ready to make to the world's largest archipelago and what are the chances of new agreements.

Fire cover tactics are being reviewed taking into account the appearance of new equipment

The troops began to practice their skills in dealing with ground drones. Anti-aircraft gunners take a special training course. Their units are armed with large-caliber machine guns, which can effectively destroy not only aerial targets, but also enemy ground equipment.

A North Korean defense company has developed and put into production another unit of domestic small arms. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter visited a weapons factory, trying out a new pistol.