What types of weapons Russia manufactures
Russia remains a significant global player in the manufacturing and export of a wide array of military hardware, ranging from small arms to advanced strategic weapons systems. Its defense industry, largely consolidated under state corporations like Rostec and the Kalashnikov Group, is capable of producing nearly the entire spectrum of military equipment required by its armed forces and for international sales.
At the foundational level, Russia manufactures a comprehensive range of small arms and light weapons. This includes iconic assault rifles like the various Kalashnikov (AK) models (e.g., AK-74, AK-12), which are renowned for their reliability and widespread use globally. Beyond assault rifles, Russia produces a variety of pistols (like the Makarov PM, MP-443 Grach), submachine guns (PP-19 Vityaz, PP-2000), sniper rifles, and shotguns, catering to both military and special forces needs. Ammunition for all these firearms is also produced domestically in large quantities.
Moving up the scale, Russia is a major producer of armored vehicles. This encompasses a diverse fleet of main battle tanks (MBTs) such as the T-72, T-80, and the more modern T-90 series, along with the highly anticipated T-14 Armata. Alongside tanks, they manufacture a range of infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) like the BMP series, armored personnel carriers (APCs) such as the BTR series, and self-propelled artillery systems like the 2S19 Msta-S. These vehicles are central to Russia's ground forces and are significant export items.
In the realm of aviation, Russia manufactures both combat and transport aircraft. Its fighter jets include the Su-27, Su-30, Su-34, Su-35, and the MiG-29, all of which are widely used by the Russian Aerospace Forces and various international clients. They also produce attack helicopters like the Mi-28 Havoc and Ka-52 Alligator, as well as versatile transport helicopters such as the Mi-8/17 series. Furthermore, Russia has been actively developing and deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including adapting and domestically producing designs like the Shahed (Geran) drones for strike and reconnaissance missions. Efforts are also underway in developing stealth bombers like the PAK-DA, although progress has been slower.
Russia's capabilities in missile systems and air defense are particularly notable. They produce a vast array of surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, from short-range portable systems like the Igla and Verba to formidable long-range systems such as the S-300, S-400 Triumf, and the newer S-500 Prometheus, which are designed to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. For offensive capabilities, Russia manufactures various types of ballistic missiles, including tactical systems like the Iskander-M and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) such as the RS-24 Yars and the Sarmat, which are a cornerstone of its strategic nuclear deterrent. They are also investing heavily in hypersonic glide vehicles like the Avangard and hypersonic missiles like the Kinzhal.
Finally, Russia possesses a strong naval shipbuilding industry, manufacturing a range of warships, including submarines (both conventional and nuclear-powered, such as the Borei-class ballistic missile submarines and Yasen-class attack submarines), frigates, corvettes, and patrol boats. While large-scale aircraft carrier development has faced challenges, the focus remains on modernizing its existing fleet and developing advanced submarine capabilities. The country's defense industrial base, while facing some challenges from sanctions and internal factors, continues to be a crucial component of its economic and geopolitical influence, with a consistent focus on both conventional and strategic weapon systems.
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