In the Russia-Ukraine conflict,
light weapons play a crucial role.
Can new guns bring new combat power?
Do old guns still have a place?
Let’s focus on the firearms used by both sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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Only three shots were fired to bring down a drone.
Can old guns become “counter-killers”?
In a recent video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, soldiers from the Russian air defense forces fired three shots and shot down a Ukrainian drone, sparking heated discussions and debates.
The video shows that this unit is equipped with AK-74 assault rifles, RPK light machine guns, and others.
The AK-74 and RPK are classic rifles and machine guns that have been in service for a long time. In many battles of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the AK-74 and its improved version, the AK-74M, are the most frequently seen light weapons of the Russian army.In March 2023, American media reported that a Ukrainian air defense team used a DP-28 light machine gun to shoot down three Russian drones in succession.
The DP-28 is a light machine gun developed by the Soviet Union before World War II, which uses a relatively complex spring mechanism to drive the ammunition belt to rotate, feeding rounds into the chamber sequentially.Military observer Bai Mengchen believes that, in terms of performance, this machine gun can potentially hit drones that fly at low altitudes and slow speeds, but it cannot be equipped with modern anti-aircraft devices that require sights, resulting in insufficient effectiveness for aerial shooting; to hit, multiple guns are needed for blocking fire.
Russian Airborne Troops used the AK-12 assault rifle
to seize the airport in Kyiv
On February 24, 2022, the day the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out, Russian airborne troops seized the Antonov airport in the northwest suburbs of Kyiv withAK-12 assault rifles.
Duration02:31
The AK-12 is a new generation assault rifle developed by the Russian Kalashnikov Group based on the Russian military’s “New Generation Warrior Individual Combat System” requirements, integrating the advantages and technical reserves of the AK-74M, AK-200, and other assault rifles.
Military commentator Wei Dongxu stated that the AK-12 has played a relatively important role on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield, especially in the early infiltration operations of the Russian airborne troops, where the AK-12 achieved significant results.
Russian-made A-545 assault rifle
uses a unique technology
Duration01:16
In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, some classic Russian light weapons with limited quantities have also appeared, including the A-545 assault rifle, which is equipped with only a few hundred units in special forces and other select units of the Russian army.The overall design of the A-545 is quite unique, especially as it employs the balanced recoil principle, an innovative technology in light weapons that improves shooting accuracy.
Bai Mengchen believes that the reason the Russian army deployed the A-545 to the battlefield is to conduct real-world testing and accumulate practical experience for future development.
Ukrainian-made
“Fortress” Model 221 assault rifle
In May 2022, a photo of Ukrainian special forces appeared online, showing three Ukrainian soldiers holding an assault rifle that closely resembles the Israeli TAR-21 “Tavor”. Upon identification, this was the Ukrainian self-manufactured “Fortress” Model 221 assault rifle.
This rifle was launched in 2009 by the Fortress factory of the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs with authorization from the Israeli Military Industries.
Wei Dongxu believes that this assault rifle is relatively compact and easy to carry, making it suitable for use by Ukrainian armored troops’ assault forces in infantry fighting vehicles.
Bai Mengchen stated that the production capacity of the “Fortress” Model 221 assault rifle is extremely limited, and it has not been widely issued to the Ukrainian army. After the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, NATO began to provide Ukraine with light weapons, so the Ukrainian side no longer allocated military funds to self-produce light weapons.
Ukrainian forces used SCAR assault rifles
to attack Russian territory
In May 2023, personnel from the Ukrainian armed forces crossed the border and launched attacks on several villages in Russia’s Belgorod region.
Duration02:14
The video shows that the unit used the SCAR assault rifle developed by the Belgian company FN during the combat.
Wei Dongxu stated that the advantage of this rifle lies in its modular and flexible design. It has two caliber models: the H model, which uses 7.62mm ammunition, and the L model, which uses 5.56mm ammunition, with many interchangeable parts between the two caliber models, facilitating the execution of different types of combat missions.
Bai Mengchen stated that the Ukrainian side claims to have about 1,200 SCAR assault rifles, but their ammunition supply is significantly constrained, and whether the West can continue to provide ammunition directly affects the use of this rifle.Therefore, some people have raised doubts, believing that personnel who can skillfully use the SCAR rifle for sabotage missions on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield may come from active special forces in the West.
Source: CCTV Military
Editor: Liang Yaru
Initial Review: Wang Mingxiang
Final Review: Bao Xiaofei
