Russia supports military-technical cooperation with friendly countries, but it cannot transfer its weapons and equipment to them free of charge. This is how military expert Peter Suchiu commented in an article for The National Interest on the information about the completion in Venezuela of the first stage of a plant for the production of 7.62 mm caliber cartridges for Kalashnikov assault rifles.
Russia is moving from the role of arms exporter to licensee. During the Cold War, the USSR supplied a huge amount of weapons to friendly communist countries around the world. In the 21st century, Moscow may not be seeking to spread communism, but has chosen a different approach to supporting other states.
Suchiu emphasized that "the Kremlin can no longer afford to just give away" weapons and equipment. Therefore, the authorities are establishing partnerships with the governments of other countries in which Russian weapons can be produced under license.
This is what happened with the construction of a small arms factory in the city of Maracay in Venezuela. The company produces a licensed version of the AK-130 assault rifle in 7.62 mm caliber.
Consequently, the new 7.62 mm ammunition plant will meet Venezuela's needs. It will also solve the problem of bureaucratic delays due to sanctions on the supply of cartridges to other countries.
Currently, the company produces cartridges with steel-core bullets, tracer bullets, and blank cartridges. Other production lines will appear later.
Characteristics of the SP 7.62x39 mm cartridge from Kalashnikov:
- Bullet weight — 10 g
- Bullet/projectile material — Lead, bimetallic jacket
- Quantity per pack — 20
Read more on the topic:
Production of cartridges for Kalashnikov assault rifles launched abroad
The National Interest: Only half of the Russian Su-30MK2s transferred to Venezuela are in service
