Why would Russias Kalashnikov make a NATO friendly assault rifle

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Henry Martini

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Firearms manufacturer Kalashnikov is exhibiting its new AK-19 rifle for the first time outside of Russia during an arms trade show in the United Arab Emirates. The assault rifle meets NATO’s caliber standards: It is chambered for 5.56 x 45mm rounds, and it has a Picatinny rail, a new collapsible folding stock to adjust length, improved aperture sight and a quick-detachable suppressor.

The gun is based on the AK-12, which was accepted into service by the Russian military in 2018. The AK-19 is compact and suitable for concealed carry.



Defense News asked the Russian company’s CEO, Dmitry Tarasov, why it would design a NATO-friendly rifle when there are measures in place that prevent NATO members from buying it.



“The 5.56 × 45mm round has been traditionally used by many countries of the [Middle East], Southeast Asia and Latin America. It is a huge market, and many countries in those regions view the weapons originating from Russia with much respect. AK-19 is aimed to woo these markets,” Tarasov replied. “The [Middle East] region is, indeed, in our focus as a fast-growing market for defense products. Our legendary brand is well-established in the region, and we are planning to build upon that.”

More: https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/idex/2021/02/23/why-would-russias-kalashnikov-make-a-nato-friendly-assault-rifle/?mc_cid=dd962cda85&mc_eid=5ff4207443
 
Of course they would want to get a hold on wider market for their guns where ammo s available... very normal business thinking ...

be it NATO or Russian or any other highly proliferated (and suitable) calibers ...
 
The Americans make billions of rounds of 5.56mm every year. Every gun manufacturer that doesn't have options in that caliber are literarily locking themselves out of the biggest market in the world. Getting guns is easy. Feeding them is the hard part.
 
There is a very large market to replace all those old AK 47s and AKMs. The designs are rugged and easy to teach. It makes sense for Russia to come up with follow-on models. This is a market which is currently being filled by countries like Israel which make rifles and also and sell turn key plants for polymer receiver AKs. One thing I find very interesting is how much the US SOPMOD "styling" and accessories have become the worldwide pattern for infantry small arms.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IWI_ACE
 
Kalasnikov has a display at the Shot Show in Nevada last year. It’s business and unless the US places an embargo against that specific company their good to go. Why do you think there’s so much Russian ammo in the States. Because US shooters want it. —Dieseldog!
 
Another reason why the Russians are doing this is when some of the eastern bloc or previously Russian friendly countries start their entrance into or towards NATO they where given time to convert over to NATO standards and at first continued with their Aks and other Russian caliber ammo but eventually have to switch to NATO caliber and small arms. The Russian Ak in 5.56 x 45 is a perfect way to stay in the supply game for the Russians and prevents a lot of retraining and expense for the country in dumping their inventory and takes away a chunk of American business and profits which I think would aggravate NATO to Putin’s delight. —Dieseldog!
 
China did the same things years ago
No one really knows how many they sold , plus their ar15/m16 rifle copy
 
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