Russia is planning to dispose of four million obsolete guns, mainly Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifles, by 2015. Out of 16 million guns accumulated at military warehouses, 6.45 million are worn-out, Russian newspaper 'Izvestia' reported quoting defense industry officials on Wednesday
First Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Sukhorukov said in September last that the Ministry possessed 17 million Kalashnikovs which, analysts say, are in excess of Russia's military forces numbering one million servicemen. AK-74 is the world's widely-used and well-known assault rifle used by Armies of some 50 countries, as well as by countless guerrilla movements. Russia's largest firearms manufacturer 'Izhmash' unveiled in January a prototype of its new Kalasnikov assault rifle designed to replace the outdated guns.
The new rifle, named AK-12, has improved ergonomics and tactical flexibility, and is being designed as a basic platform for the development of nearly 20 different modifications of the weapon. It could be adapted for cartridges varying from 5.45x39 mm to 7.62x51 NATO, the daily said.
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Business News
December 19, 2025 15:10 ET U.S. inflation data and interest rate decisions by major central banks were the highlights of this busy week for economics news flow. Employment data and survey results on the housing markets also gained attention in the U.S. In Europe, the European Central Bank and Bank of England announced their policy decisions and macroeconomic projections.