Heckler & Koch aims to manufacture guns for Soviet-size systems.
Ukrainian military uses a mixture of modern Western handguns and older models from the Warsaw Pact era. To cater to this diverse demand, German Weapons manufacturer Heckler & Koch is looking to expand its product range.
A media report suggests that Heckler & Koch is planning to develop assault rifles and machine guns compatible with Kalashnikov ammunition and other calibers from the former Warsaw Pact. Spokesperson of the company revealed in an interview with 'Welt' about the experiences of special forces in Ukraine, which emphasized the importance of calibers from the former Soviet bloc.
The spokesperson said, "We're investigating the feasibility of producing such weapons. While we are working on development projects, production has not started yet. However, our weaponry in NATO calibers remains a priority." Soviet calibers commonly refer to the 5.45 x 39 millimeter and 7.62 x 39 millimeter caliber cartridges as well as 7.62 x 54 millimeter caliber machine guns, which are widely employed across the globe.
The Ukrainian forces currently rely on a combination of modern Western pistols and old models from the Warsaw Pact era for their operations. The spokesperson mentioned that most of the Heckler & Koch's range of weapons is being utilized in Ukraine, including SFP9 pistols and MG5 machine guns, supplied in conjunction with Berlin. The manufacturer has already created a prototype, the HK132E, in Kalashnikov caliber 7.62 x 39 millimeters.
As per 'Welt', Heckler & Koch is not the first manufacturer to supply both the Eastern and Western blocs. Czech manufacturer CZ (Česká Zbrojovka a.s.) is another example that has been catering to both caliber markets.
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- Given the ongoing 'Attack on Ukraine', there have been calls for Western countries to increase their weapons supplies to Ukraine, raising concerns about the potential impact on the international 'arms trade'.
- Despite the 'Attack on Ukraine', German weapons manufacturer Heckler & Koch has maintained its commitment to manufacturing guns for Soviet-size systems, citing the diverse demands of Ukrainian military, which uses a mix of modern and older weapons.
- With the Soviet Union dissolved, the global 'arms trade' has seen a shift in calibers, with companies like Heckler & Koch developing weapons compatible with Kalashnikov ammunition and other former Warsaw Pact calibers, like the 7.62 x 39 millimeter, to cater to markets like Ukraine.
Source: www.ntv.de
