Russia's major arms manufacturer Kalashnikov Group said it has fully completed the latest defense orders and is now aiming to increase production in 2023, Chairman Alan Lushnikov said on December 27.
In an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel, Mr. Lushnikov said that 2022 was a difficult and challenging year, but it was also a success.
He said that next year, in addition to focusing on further defense orders, the company plans to expand production of the new Chukavin SVCh rifle - replacing the Dragunov SVD - while developing a new tactical drone.
"Everything that is not launched from the airport is our alley market. This includes everything from small drones both reconnaissance and fighter to ammunition, Lushnikov said.
The leader of the iconic arms manufacturer of the Russian defense noted that modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are of decisive significance in developing the military potential of the Russian army. Mr. Lushnikov added that the supply of UAVs produced in Kalashnikov will increase.
In August, Kalashnikov Group announced that it would provide the Russian army stationed in Ukraine with new, advanced weapons including the PPK-20 submachine gun and the SVCh rifle.
The new Russian weapon, the PPK-20, weighing less than 3kg, is equipped with a reducer and has a standardized rail similar to the Rails Picatinny used on Western weapons.
Meanwhile, the SVCh is described as a new generation of Russian-designed repeat guns, lighter than its predecessor, the SVD, with higher accuracy and the ability to hit targets at a distance of about 1,200m.
