Heckler and Koch plan to manufacture firearms in Soviet dimensions.
The Ukrainian military employs various contemporary handguns from Western nations and antiquated ones from the Warsaw Pact's era. Heckler & Koch, a German gunmaker, seeks to extend its offerings beyond NATO-based weaponry. In the future, the company intends to cater to a broader market by developing weapons that support Kalashnikov ammunition and other defunct Warsaw Pact calibers.
A representative from Heckler & Koch mentioned in an interview with "Welt" that special forces in Ukraine have yielded crucial insights into the significance of these older calibers. "We're investigating the possibility," the spokesperson disclosed, "as there appears to be a demand for it." There are plans to create these weapons, but no actual production has commenced as of yet. They will, however, maintain their focus on developing NATO caliber firearms. Traditionally, the Soviet calibers encompass the 5.45 mm x 39 mm and 7.62 mm x 39 mm cartridges and 7.62 mm x 54 mm machine guns, which are frequently found in circulation.
The Ukrainian armed forces currently engage in combat with a blend of contemporary Western handguns and vintage models from the Warsaw Pact's legacy. Heckler & Koch has reported that their entire product range is being utilized by the Ukrainian military, including the SFP9 pistols and MG5 machine guns provided in conjunction with Berlin. The HK132E assault rifle prototype, which employs the 7.62 x 39 mm Kalashnikov caliber, has already been developed by the firm.
Interestingly, Heckler & Koch would not be the first weapons manufacturer to cater to both Eastern and Western markets. The Czech company CZ (Česká Zbrojovka a.s.) also produces arms for both realms.
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- Despite the ongoing 'Attack on Ukraine', the Ukrainian military relies on both modern weapons from Western nations and old ones from the Soviet Union's era, including those manufactured by companies like Heckler & Koch, which plans to expand its offerings to include weapons compatible with Kalashnikov ammunition and other Warsaw Pact calibers.
- The Soviet-dimensioned firearms being planned by Heckler & Koch could potentially benefit from the 'arms trade', as there seems to be a demand for such weapons in Ukraine, where the armed forces continue to utilize a mix of contemporary and vintage firearms, including those from the German manufacturer.
- Remarkably, 'Heckler & Koch' is not the only weapons manufacturer catering to both the Eastern and Western markets. The Czech company CZ (Česká Zbrojovka a.s.) has also established a presence in both realms.
Source: www.ntv.de
