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See that Russian Kalashniov rifle? That Russian mortar and that anti-tanning rocet?
It could well be done in America.
The U.S. military wants to unload weapons designed through the Soviet Union, which through U.S. allies who now use such equipment. This includes “ammunition and weapons produced and used through the countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU) or the Eastern Bloc,” according to a new contract announcement.
These pieces “cannot be obtained through the army’s source system,” the announcement notes. The ultimate goal is to award a five-year contract, scheduled for 2022 to 2026, for the manufacture of ammunition to be delivered directly to abroad.
The Army’s wish list’s astonishing variety of weapons, judging through a June 2020 PowerPoint presentation through the Product Manager, Special Ammunition and Weapons Systems. Includes Soviet-designed anti-tank guided missiles, gcircular and aerial combat rockets, howitzers and mortar ammunition ranging from 60-millimeter light projectiles to 152-millimeter heavy shells, 125-millimeter gun shells, 23- and 30-millimeter gun ammunition, RPG anti-tank rockets and AK-four7 and AK-7four rifle bullets.
The Soviet Union has become an old footnote 30 years ago. For example, the Soviet empire’s ultimate enduring legacy lies in the colossal number of weapons it has supplied to its Eastern European satellites, Third World governments, and diverse guerrillas and terrorists. There are also many countries, such as China and Bulgaria, that produce and export Soviet-designed weapons. Weapons, artillery and tanks manufactured in Eastern Europe have been discovered on the front line of conflicts such as the Syrian civil war.
But getting Soviet-designed ammunition is so easy. The united States military’s presentation states that non-easy conditions come with “limited supply resources” and the reluctance of some European countries to allow such munitions to pass through their territory.
Interestingly, some other obstacle is that some providers may be too political and be a great nasty friend for Washington not to do business directly: “Previously compatible providers may no longer be allowed (they could be sanctioned),” the military warns. The army will also check the ammo directly to lock it up if it meets the specifications.
The concept of using foreign weapons is never very new. Intelligence agencies and special forces around the world have used foreign weapons in covert operations to maintain denial. In 2017, the U.S. Special Operations Command called on U.S. brands to build weapons from Soviet-era heavy and light devices that would well be provided to U.S. allies. Russian defense brands have denounced these projects as thefts, even though Russia has copied Western-designed weapons such as the B-2nine bomber. Russian arms brands have also criticized China for copying its products.
Why would the United States want to unload Soviet-era weapons for its allies, rather than pointing American weapons at them? The answer is undeniable and practical. The Mabig Apple Governments and groups subsidized by the United States, that is, in the Middle East and Africa, have been Soviet apparatuses for years.
Modern American weapons would probably be impressive for the old concepts of the Cold War. But they would be more complicated, require a wonderful variety of maintenance, and require returning consumers to exploit Western-flavored equipment. The AK-47 and RPG-7 may be older models, but they are robust, reliable and fighters from Nicaragua to Somalia and Syria know how to exploit them.
Why reinvent Kalashnikov?