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manufacturer 'Izhmash' unveiled in January a prototype of its new Kalasnikov assault rifle designed to replace the outdated guns.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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April 17, 2026 15:29 ET The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to raise concerns for policymakers who worry about the impact of the supply shock and high energy prices on the real economy. Producer price data and various survey results on the housing market were the main news from the U.S. this week. In Europe, industrial production data for the euro area gained attention. GDP figures out of China and the policy move by the Singapore central bank were in focus in Asia.