Russian arms concern Kalashnikov, maker of the world’s most widespread assault rifle, said today it is opening a new production unit to produce kamikaze drones, one of the main weapons used by Moscow in its war in Ukraine, Reuters reported.
After Ukrainian forces used Western, Israeli and Turkish drones with high efficiency in the early months of the invasion, Russia has begun using Iranian-made Shahed drones as it tries to organize its own production, the agency noted.
“Kalashnikov opens a new production line for unmanned aerial vehicles,” the Izhevsk-based largest Russian manufacturer of automatic weapons and guided artillery systems said in a statement.
Kalashnikov’s new production department will focus on the production of so-called “wandering munitions,” or in other words, kamikaze drones that detonate when they reach their target.
The main task of the new department is the production of guided “wandering munitions” complexes. The complexes are designed for high-precision destruction of distant single or group enemy ground targets,” the concern states.
The Kalashnikov concern, named after the creator of the AK-47 assault rifle, Mikhail Kalashnikov, will also produce launchers, control equipment and conduct research and development (R&D).
“In 2024, we will be able to increase the number of unmanned aerial vehicles produced several times in our traditional production niche – “stray munitions” and reconnaissance drones,” said the director of the Kalashnikov concern, Alan Lushnikov. He did not give specific numbers.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country’s drone production could soon reach $12 billion once plans to increase production are implemented.
First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov said that by the end of 2026, Russia will be able to produce 18,000 drones a year.
Tags: Kalashnikov produce kamikaze drones Russia
