The latest samples of personal small arms of foreign production. The latest weapons in Russia: developments, samples and their characteristics

New Smith & Wesson Combat Magnum revolvers

At the SHOT Show 2017, the famous American weapons manufacturer presented two new revolvers under the name Combat Magnum.

The new Model 66 Combat Magnum revolver is based on a stainless steel K-frame and fires .357 Magnum cartridges. Like other S&W K-frame revolvers, the barrel of the new Model 66 holds 6 rounds. The barrel length is 69.85 mm, the total length of the weapon does not exceed 203.2 mm. The barrel is made with an underbarrel case for the extractor rod. The front sight is replaceable, with a red insert. The whole is adjustable. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) is 9.

The Model 69 Combat Magnum fires .44 Magnum cartridges and has a larger "L" (L-frame) frame, which differs from the K-frame in higher strength, which is necessary for firing powerful cartridges. In this case, the drum holds 5 rounds. Barrel length, sights and MSRP are identical to the Model 66.

Novelties of the Kalashnikov Concern

Concern "Kalashnikov" is working on prototypes of new versions of hunting carbines - Los-10 and Bars-5. This weapon came to replace the Los-7-1 and Bars-4-1 carbines previously announced at the Moscow International Exhibition "ARMS & Hunting - 2016". The new Los-10, whose main difference from the 7-1 model is the bolt design, received a muzzle thread for the DTK, a Picatinny rail in the basic version, a “straight” box and a single-row magazine.

In addition to these models, the Kalashnikov Concern is developing a new version hunting self-loading carbine Izyubr, small-caliber carbine BI-7-2 KO and a new hunting magazine carbine MP-142K, built on the basis of a modular concept with interchangeable barrel blocks of various calibers and / or different lengths.

In the online store of the Kalashnikov Concern, the MMG 9-mm submachine gun PP-19-01 Vityaz-SN appeared on sale, despite the fact that on the page of the online store it is called "Bizon-2". The price of this product is 24,000 rubles.

The price list with recommended prices, available on the official website of the concern since 01/20/2017, contains information on 7.62 mm carbines Saiga MK version 030 with a barrel length of 415 mm and Saiga MK version 033 with a barrel length of 336 mm . The price for both the standard and the shortened version is 28,700 rubles, while the price for a 5.45-mm carbine released in 2017 under the same designation Saiga MK isp.030 is 37,700 rubles.

How to clean weapons

With this video, the Ibis Hunting and Weapons channel opens a series of reviews in which it will try to highlight the questions: how to properly clean weapons? How, when and how often should you clean? What cleaning tools are needed, and what cleaning chemicals should be used? What accessories are needed? How not to harm the weapon with inept cleaning? In addition, on the channel "Ibis Hunting and Weapons" you will find high-quality reviews of weapons and new products from weapons exhibitions. Update:

SCAR company from Belgium "FN Herstal" (FN Herstal) replenished with new models. One of the samples is a 5.56 mm automatic rifle, which received the IAR index.

This rifle looks very similar to the SCAR L / Mk 16 rifle, but has a very original automation. It makes it possible to fire very high intensity. For this, a system was used that changes the modes of operation of the weapon. When low level When the barrel is heated, fire is fired from the “front sear” (the shutter is in the forward position before firing), when the heating level is high - from the “rear sear” (the shutter is in the rear position before firing, the barrel breech is open). The massive barrel facilitates and makes it possible to conduct intense continuous fire with high accuracy of fire. When administering single shooting the developers declared an accuracy of one minute of arc, which is typical for sniper weapons. The weight of the rifle is 5.08 kg without ammunition, the rate of fire is about 650 rds / min.

Even despite the systematically declared thesis that the current sniper rifle with great accuracy of shooting is not required to have automatics, because ideally only one shot is required to destroy the target, various companies are trying to create automatic or semi-automatic sniper rifles.

Another similar attempt was made by specialists from Belgium.

Based on the SCAR H / Mk 17 rifle, they developed the 7.62 mm SSR (Sniper Support Rifle) sniper rifle. For firing, the same 7.62 x 51 mm ammunition is used. The weight of the weapon is 5.04 kg, the magazines hold 10-20 rounds, the barrel length is 508 mm.

New companies that produce small arms enter the market quite systematically, and most of the newcomers have to work hard to achieve brand recognition. Against this background, a German company is very noticeable, named after one of the most famous gunsmith designers of the last century - Hugo Schmeisser.

It is interesting that the main product of the Schmeisser company (Schmeisser GmbH) is various modifications of the AR-15 / M16 automatic rifles developed by the American Eugene Stoner.

The MSR sniper rifle manufactured by the US company Remington has a modular design.

Interchangeable barrels, magazines and shutter larvae allow the use of 7.62 x 51 cartridges; .300 WM and .338LM (which provides an effective range of up to 1500 m). The stock of the "skeletal" type is made of light alloy, the butt of the rifle is folding. There is a barrel cover. There is no mechanical sight. The barrel length can be from 508 to 686 mm, magazine capacity is five, seven or ten rounds.

Very interesting is the fact of the “return to service” of fully-fledged automatic rifles using a rifle cartridge, which, it would seem, has finally been supplanted by weapons designed for “intermediate” ammunition. In recent years alone, a whole line of new models has been created. similar weapons. An example would be the Belgian SCAR-H/Mk 17 rifle, the German NK417 rifle and the Swiss SIG SAPR751.

The latter was created on the basis of the Swiss SIG SG 50 rifle, but chambered for 7.62 x 51 mm ammunition. USM provides the possibility of firing in semi-automatic and automatic modes, including bursts with a cut-off of 3 shots. The flag of the fuse-translator is double-sided. The butt of this weapon is plastic folding. The magazine holds 20 rounds, the rate of fire is 700 rds / min. Barrel length SIG SARP 751 is 417 mm, total length - 962 mm, weight without magazine - 3.725 kg.

Separately, it must be said about the so-called rifle-grenade launcher systems (SGK).

Experience with individual automatic weapons during the recent armed conflicts (primarily in Afghanistan and Iraq) once again showed that the models of automatic rifles that are in service with the forces of the Western coalition do not fully meet the requirements for them. This concerns the level of safety, ergonomics, ease of maintenance and operation, effective firing range, damaging effect. Modernization of the models that are in service and equipping them with the latest sighting systems did not allow to fully solve the above problems. Based on this, recently the leading foreign arms manufacturing companies have significantly stepped up the development of the latest weapons of this class.

Many of these developments are now either completed or in the final stages and are being vigorously promoted on the market. Their common features are a modular layout, the widespread use of light alloys and plastics for the manufacture of main parts, the use of optical sights as the main ones, the possibility of attaching an underbarrel grenade launcher, laid down at the design stage, and reducing the total weight of the complex.

For example, the 5.56 / 40 mm Beretta ARX160 / GLX160 rifle-grenade launcher system consists of a 5.56 mm automatic rifle and a 40 x 46 mm underbarrel grenade launcher, which can be used as a manual one.

The modular principle of building the complex allows, after replacing a number of parts, to use cartridges 5.56 x 45 mm, 5.45 x 39 mm, 7.62 x 39 mm, 6.8 x 43 mm. The ARX160 weapon has quick-change barrels with a length of 406 or 305 mm, a reinstallable cocking handle. On it, you can also change the direction of reflection of the spent cartridges. Folding stock with adjustable length (four positions, adjustment range 65 mm). There are four universal fastening bars and six strap attachment points. Bilateral controls. The rear sight and front sight are foldable. The color of the coating of the weapon is black and olive.

The widespread use of polymers, including in the design of the receiver, magazine nest and trigger housing, made it possible to reduce the weight of the weapon. A rifle without a magazine with a 305 mm barrel weighs no more than 3 kg, a grenade launcher in an underbarrel version - 1 kg, in a manual version - 2.2 kg.

The ARX160 / GLX160 complex is the main one for the promising Italian combat complex infantryman Soldato Futuro.

Considerable attention of specialists is attracted by the 5.56-mm automatic rifle ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle) from Remington.

The Americans offer a completely modern model of individual weapons. Like the previous sample of the Beretta company (Beretta), ACR has a modular design and allows, after replacing a number of parts, to use ammunition of 5.56 x 45 mm and 6.8 x 43 mm calibers. The weapon kit includes quick-change barrels (3 options - 267 mm, 368 mm or 419 mm long). The stock can be either fixed or folding, adjustable in length (6 positions, adjustment range 76 mm). It is possible to install a forearm with 3 or 5 slats of the universal picattini mount. Weapon controls are bilateral. In order to reduce reload time, there is a shutter stop. The weight of the machine with a barrel length of 419 mm is 3.72 kg.

In addition to the above-mentioned new weapons, Czech gunsmiths presented another one - a 5.56-mm automatic rifle (automatic) CZ 805 BREN.

The model can be equipped with barrels 360 or 277 mm long, has a reinstallable cocking handle. It is possible to produce modifications for 7.62 x 39 and 6.8 x 43 mm ammunition. In addition to the traditional semi-automatic and automatic firing modes, it is possible to fire in fixed bursts (2 shots each). The butt is removable, with adjustable length (four positions) or folding. The case of the store is made of transparent plastic. It is possible to use magazines from rifles and cartridges M16 / M4.

The controls are two-sided, there is a shutter stop. For weapons developed and new grenade launcher TCZ 805 G1. The weight of the rifle without a magazine is 3.58 kg, the magazine holds 30 rounds, the rate of fire is 760 rds / min.

The CZ 805 BREN automatic rifle has been selected by the Czech Ministry of Defense for the partial rearmament of its ground forces. Weapon deliveries are scheduled for early 2011.

The HK416 automatic rifle chambered for 5.56 x 45 mm by the German company Heckler & Koch also has a lot in common with its predecessors - quick-change barrels (four options are provided), a folding stock with adjustable length, four universal picattini mounts. The controls are two-sided, there is also a shutter stop. An interesting feature development is a set of parts HK416, which can be used to upgrade weapons of the M16, V14 series. In this case, the barrel with a gas engine, forearm, bolt group and receiver will be replaced. It is also recommended to replace the buffer and return spring.

The weapon kit may include a GLM grenade launcher.

It is impossible not to mention the SCAR complex of the Belgian company FN Herstal. This complex includes a 5.56 mm SCAR-L / Mk 16 rifle or a 7.62 mm SCAR-H / Mk 17 automatic rifle and a 40 x 46 mm FN40GL / Mk 13 underbarrel grenade launcher, which can also be used as a manual one. In 2010, these models were adopted by the US Army Special Operations Forces.

The design features of the SCAR-L / Mk 16 weapons are quick-change barrels (3 options are provided) and a reinstallable cocking handle. The butt of the weapon is folding, with adjustable length (6 positions, adjustment range 63 mm), there are four straps of the universal picattini mount. The controls are two-sided, there is a shutter stop. The rear sight and front sight are foldable. The receiver is made of aluminum alloy. The magazine is interchangeable with weapon magazines of the M16/M4 series. Coating colors are black or olive.

This line of new products can be extended by adding to it automatic rifles FN F2000 (Belgium), Sreyr AUG A3 (Austria), NK G36 (Germany) and, with some stretch, the Israeli IWI X95. Interestingly, the developers of new samples are much less likely than before to use the bullpup layout.

The identity of the technical solutions implemented in the designs of these samples indicates that the appearance of the 3rd generation assault rifle, one might assume, is fully formed.

In all automatic machines and SGK of the 3rd generation, optical sights various types, and mechanical - only auxiliary. These are single collimator or holographic sights or telescopic sights of low magnification (x1.5-x4). The Steyr AUG A3 SF and G36 automatic rifles provide the ability to install an additional compact single shot red dot sight on the body of the basic telescopic sight. An alternative approach to this solution is the Specter DR sight manufactured by Eіcan (Canada), which has a fixed magnification of x1.5 and x6; switching between them is carried out by a lever on the body of the sight. Sight weight 0.7 kg.

Almost all sights used are sealed, and they also have a mode of coordination with the night vision module. The operating time of sights before replacing the power source can reach up to tens of hours.

Many developers also use optical sights for firing from grenade launchers, for which a number of companies have developed automated aiming optoelectronic systems. For shooting from automatic rifles, in most cases, only the presence of an optical sight is quite possible.

As an example of such an automated complex, it is possible to cite the FCU 850-N manufactured by FN Herstal.

Designed for underbarrel and hand-held 40-mm grenade launchers, the complex makes it possible to measure the angle of elevation and range of the target, automatic calculation of the trajectory (data from the firing table of 50 types of ammunition can be entered into memory). The maximum possible firing range using the FCU 850-N is 380 m, the weight without batteries is 0.53 kg.

For a long period, foreign 40-mm grenade launcher ammunition was divided into 2 large categories - low-velocity 40 x 46 mm and high-velocity with a sleeve length of 53 mm. The former, which were intended for underbarrel and hand grenade launchers, provide a maximum firing range of up to 400 m. The latter, used in automatic grenade launchers, up to 2,100-2,200 m. South Africa proposed intermediate, medium-speed shots with a sleeve length of 51 mm, which could only be used in grenade launchers specially designed for these shots. The firing range of these ammunition reached 800 m.

The Singapore company ST Kinetics offered its own version of medium-speed 40 x 46-mm rounds for hand grenade launchers. The difference between Asian ammunition is that it can be used to fire grenade launchers, which were originally designed for low-velocity ammunition and which are widely distributed. The firing range of fragmentation and fragmentation-cumulative grenades is about 600 m, but this is one and a half times more than regular 40 x 60-mm rounds. In addition, the dispersion characteristics have been significantly improved.

The same manufacturer introduced a new modification of the HV ABMS fire control system for 40-mm automatic grenade launchers (Mk 19, NK GMG, etc.), which provides remote detonation of grenades. The complex includes: a 40-mm shot with a programmable fuse, an aiming system with a laser rangefinder and a fuse programmer, which is mounted on the muzzle of the barrel. System weight with batteries 6 kg, dimensions 350 x 230 x 160 mm.

The LV ABMS complex similar in purpose is also offered for 40-mm underbarrel and hand grenade launchers. Its features are low weight (0.35 kg) and small dimensions of the fire control unit.

WEAPON ( military), devices and means used in armed struggle to defeat and destroy the enemy. Serves both for attack and for defense (defense), weapons have been known since ancient times. It appeared during the primitive communal system (according to archeological periodization, it mainly coincides with stone age) as a means of hunting, as a tool of attack and defense in the process of obtaining food and clothing, that is, it was a kind of tools. Later, during the period of the disintegration of the tribal system, the emergence of private ownership of the means of production and the division of society into antagonistic classes, weapons become a means specially created for armed struggle.
The state and development of weapons to a decisive extent depends on the mode of production and, especially on the level of development of the forces. F. Engels wrote: “Nothing depends on economic conditions so much as the army and navy. Armament, composition, organization, tactics and strategy depend, first of all, on what has been achieved in this moment production steps.

The first types of weapons used in the early Paleolithic (in the other Stone Age, about 1 million 800 thousand - 35 thousand years ago) included a primitive club mace, wooden a spear , stones. With the transition to the late Paleolithic (about 35-10 thousand years ago), the technique of stone processing underwent radical changes. Spears appeared and dart with flint and bone tips, sling. At the end of this era, they used spear throwers, significantly increased the range of the spear. That is, in the Paleolithic there already existed shock and throwing B weapon Mesolithic (transitional era from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic) began to spread onion and arrows - one of the most important inventions of mankind in the era of tribal society. In the Neolithic (New Stone Age), new types of weapons appeared - a stone ax, dagger of stone and bone mace with a stone head. Development weapon led to the creation protective weapons.
The discovery of the properties of copper in the Eneolithic (Copper Stone Age) and the manufacture of bronze (in the Bronze Age), which coincided with the formation of early class societies, marked the beginning of a new stage in the history of weapons. Specialized military weapons began to be made - bronze (later iron) swords. coinage (war hammer, klevets), spears and more Steel arms . The main role in battles goes to the sword, the decisive importance of which for the wars of the era of barbarism F. Engels compared with the role of the bow for the era of savagery and firearms for the age of civilization. There is a division of some types of weapons (sword, spear) into infantry (gladius, pilum) and cavalry (spat, hasta). The appearance of protective structures caused the creation of throwing machines and siege technology. The development of the bow led to the creation crossbow and crossbow, a knife appears halberd and other types of edged weapons. Starts to be used greek fire, mainly for setting fire to enemy ships in naval combat. An important stage in the development of weapons is associated with the use of gunpowder as a propellant and the emergence firearms. One of the first examples of firearms was modfa, appeared among the Arabs in the 12th century. In Western Europe and in Russia, firearms weapon known since the 14th century. Artillery guns of that time were smooth-walled pipes (trunks) forged from metal, mounted on wooden machines. Loading was carried out from the muzzle of the barrel, ignition of the powder charge through a special pilot hole. The shells were arrows, logs, stones, later - stone cannonballs. For firing at manpower, stone buckshot was also used, which was poured into the bore on top of the propellant charge. First samples small arms(in Russia - manual squeaker (manual), in France - petrinal, in Spain - pedernal ) in design differed little from art. guns. They were smooth-bore, muzzle-loading, had a straight stock and fired spherical bullets. Powder charge ignited by hand from a smoldering wick. With the advent and development of firearms, edged weapons and throwing machines are undergoing changes and are gradually losing their significance. By the end of the 14th century the sword in Russia gave way saber, and in Zap. Europe has been pushed out sword. At the end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of modern times, they found application ax and reed, as well as varieties of mace - shestoper, pepper, brush.

Importance in development artillery played the transition in the 15th-16th centuries. to the manufacture of barrels from cast iron and bronze and to the use of cast iron and lead cannonballs for firing. This made it possible to reduce the caliber of the guns, making them lighter and more mobile. The use of grained powder simplified loading and increased the rate of fire. However, there was a great variety in the arrangement of tools. So, in Russia in the 16-17 centuries. were armed with squeaks, mozhzhirs (mortars), howitzers (howitzers), shotguns, mattresses, mounted guns etc. In order to increase the rate of fire, multi-barreled guns were used - organs. With the introduction of the concept weapon caliber and the improvement of production in the 18th century, a clearer systematization of artillery pieces was established. In the middle of the 18th century, Russia developed unicorns. In the first half of the 19th century, bombing cannons appeared that fired explosive shells weighing more than a pound (bombs) and were in service mainly with naval and coastal artillery.
Small arms in their development stood out in independent view firearms. This was due to the need to have it lighter and more maneuverable. In the 15th century there were guns with wick castle (in the West - arquebus, in Russia - manual squeaks of 12.5-18 mm caliber). At the same time, muzzle-loading smoothbore pistols as self defense weapon. At the beginning of the 16th century, more powerful matchlock guns began to be used - muskets, 20-23 mm caliber. Of great importance for the development of small arms was the transition from matchlocks to wheel (late 15th century) and flintlock (16th century) locks. With the creation of a flintlock and a bayonet (17th century), the type of infantry smooth-bore muzzle-loading gun, which was in service with armies until the middle of the 19th century, finally took shape. Rearmament of the Russian army, on such guns (fuzei) was produced in 1706-09, and at the beginning of the 19th century (1808-09) a single caliber was established for all guns - 7 lines (17.78 mm).
The transition to rifled barrels led to qualities, a leap in the development of firearms. Rifle made it possible to increase the range and accuracy of fire and to use oblong rotating projectiles, which have a greater effectiveness at the target compared to spherical projectiles of smooth-bore artillery. The first samples of small arms, with screw rifling, were created back in the 16th century (screw squeakers and guns, union )artillery pieces in the 17th century. However, due to the complexity of manufacturing and the difficulty of loading, such weapons did not become widespread until ser. 19th century. The invention in the 1st half of the 19th century of the percussion composition and primer as a means of igniting a propellant charge, a paper (in the 60s metal) unitary cartridge, the improvement of locks and the creation of shutters greatly facilitated the loading of weapons and increased their rate of fire. The widespread rearmament of armies and fleets with rifled breech-loading guns, rifles, carbines was carried out in the 1960s. 19th century, when the achieved levels of development of production and scientific and technological progress provided the necessary conditions for their development and production in large quantities. At the beginning of the 19th century in Russia and other countries, powder rockets and various devices were developed and put into service, which were used in a number of wars and battles. However, due to the insufficiently high level of development of science and technology, they were not improved, and due to the growth of the firepower of artillery, they temporarily lost their significance, reviving on new basis in the 30s. 20th century. In the middle of the 19th century mines entered service with armies and navies , and then torpedoes.
In the 2nd floor. 19th century going on further development and improvement of firearms. Invention during this period of smokeless gunpowder led to a sharp increase weapon rate of fire and firing range.
A type of rapid-fire artillery gun was created (Russian 2.5-inch cannon by V. S. Baranovsky (1877) and 76-mm cannon model 1902, French 75-mm cannon model 1897, etc.), which had almost all nodes and units that exist in modern guns. Reducing the caliber of the rifle weapons, appears shop weapons. One of the best examples of this weapons was a 7.62 mm rifle mod. 1891, developed by S. I. Mosin. An important stage in the development weapons was the creation automatic weapons (automatic cannon, machine gun, etc.), which spread rapidly and had a significant impact on the forms and methods of warfare. During the Russian Japanese war 1904-05 Russian army for mounted shooting from the sea. guns used an over-caliber mine. Such a tool is called mortar. Subsequently, mortars were developed and put into service in other armies as well.
1st world war new types of weapons appeared and old ones were improved. Together with tanks and planes, aviation appeared. and tank machine guns of 7.62-7.9 mm caliber, tank guns of 37-75 mm caliber and aviation bombs. To combat enemy aircraft, they began to create anti-aircraft guns. One of the first anti-aircraft guns was a Russian 76-mm anti-aircraft gun mod. 1915. Initially, mainly light guns were used against tanks. field artillery with regular projectiles. The navies of various states began to use against submarines depth charges and diving art. shells, in the sea. aviation - bombs and torpedoes. During the war, German troops were the first to use flamethrowers and chemical weapon: chlorine (1915), phosgene (1916), mustard gas and poisonous fumes (1917). Chemical weapons were also used by the Entente troops.
Before the 2nd World War, the development of weapons followed the path of creating new, more advanced field and naval artillery guns (including semi-automatic and automatic anti-aircraft guns), aviation, tank and anti-tank guns, mortars, self-propelled guns, anti-tank guns, samples of small arms automatic weapons (rifles, pistols, submachine guns, light, heavy and heavy machine guns, including aviation, tank and anti-aircraft guns). In 1936 into service Soviet army 7.62-mm automatic rifle ABC-36 designed by S. G. Simonov was adopted, then 7.62-mm self-loading rifles mod. 1940 designs by F. V. Tokarev. In 1938, the troops received a large-caliber 12.7-mm DShK machine gun designs by V. A. Degtyarev and G. S. Shpagin, and at the beginning of 1941 - a 7.62 mm PPSh submachine gun designed by Shpagin. All this significantly increased the proportion of automatic weapons. Modern combat aircraft were equipped with 7.62 mm aviation machine guns ShKAS designed by B. G. Shpitalny and I. A. Komaritsky and 20-mm aviation. ShVAK cannons designed by Shpitalny and S. V. Vladimirov (cannon fire rate - 3000 rds / min). In the period 1936-40, new 76-mm divisional guns and a 122-mm howitzer, a 152-mm howitzer-gun and a howitzer, a 210-mm gun, a 280-mm mortar and a 305-mm howitzer were adopted, the 45-mm anti-tank gun. Anti-aircraft artillery was equipped with 25- and 37-mm automatic 76- and 85-mm guns. At the end of the 30s. 50-mm company, 82-mm battalion, 107-mm mountain pack and 120-mm regimental mortars were created. A great contribution to the creation of first-class owls. art. armaments were introduced by design teams led by V. G. Grabin, I. I. Ivanov, F. F. Petrov, B. I. Shavyrin, and others. The Air Force received 82- and 132-mm rockets (RS-82 and RS-132). At the beginning of the Great Fatherland, the war of 1941-45 owls. troops fired the first salvo from rocket artillery combat vehicles ( "Katyusha").During the 2nd World War, the German fascist, British and american armies. In 1943, the armament of the owls. troops received the first large-caliber breech-loading 160-mm mortar. Widespread in the 2nd World War received self-propelled artillery mounts (self-propelled guns): in the Soviet Army with 76, 85, 100, 122 and 152 mm caliber guns; in the Nazi armies - 75-150 mm; in the American and British armies - 75-203 mm. Main types naval weapons there were various artillery systems, advanced torpedoes, mines and depth charges. In service with aviation different countries consisted of air bombs weighing from 1 kg to 9 thousand kg, small-caliber automatic guns (20-47 mm), heavy machine guns (11.35-13.2 mm), and rockets. Tanks before the 2nd World War had mostly small-caliber guns(37-45 mm). During the war, they began to install medium-caliber guns (75-122 mm). Further development was small arms automatic weapons , (especially machine guns and submachine guns), flamethrowers of various types, incendiary ammunition, cumulative and sub-caliber shells, explosive weapon . In 1944, the fascist German army used guided missiles. V-1 and ballistic missiles V-2, and in August 1945 the US military - nuclear weapon. The USSR quickly liquidated the US monopoly on the atomic bomb and in 1949 carried out an experiment, the explosion of an atomic device. Later, nuclear weapons were created in Great Britain, France, and China. In the postwar period, in the USSR, USA, Great Britain, France and other countries, they developed and adopted rockets various classes and purposes. In unity with nuclear weapons, missiles formed nuclear missile weapons. It combines the tremendous destructive power of nuclear weapons with the unlimited range of missiles. The emergence of nuclear missile weapons required fundamental changes in all areas of military affairs.
Modern weapons in most cases are a combination of direct weapons and means of their delivery to the target, as well as instruments and devices for control and guidance. Therefore, such weapons are called weapons complexes. The classification of modern weapons is made according to their main distinguishing features.
These signs are:

1. the extent of the destructive effect of weapons and the nature of the combat missions they solve;
2. purpose of the weapon;
3. method of delivery to the target of means of direct destruction;
4. the degree of maneuverability of the weapon;
5. the number of service personnel;
6. the degree of automation of the firing (launch) process;
7. the possibility of changing the trajectory when moving means of direct destruction to the target.

After World War II, on the basis of scientific and technological progress, fundamental changes took place in the armies of the most developed countries in the means of warfare and the methods of their use. Accumulated and improved nuclear weapons. Nuclear rocket warheads, air bombs, torpedoes, land mines, depth charges, artillery shells with an equivalent capacity of several tens of tons to several tens of megatons of TNT. The types of armed forces and branches of troops (forces) were armed with nuclear weapons carriers - missiles of various classes and purposes. Most Powerful strategic weapon become intercontinental ballistic missiles(ICBMs) with monobloc and multiple warheads, which have a huge destroy, power, long range flight and high precision hitting the target. In addition to strategic missiles, operational-tactical and tactical missiles are also in service. New means of anti-aircraft and missile defense. Anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) have been developed, having missiles with conventional and nuclear warheads and capable of hitting air targets flying at extremely low altitudes (50-100 m) and in the troposphere at supersonic speed. Anti-missiles are used to intercept ICBM warheads fire complexes "PRO". The main weapons of combat aircraft were guided and homing air-to-air missiles (air combat missiles) and air-to-surface missiles. To equip the supply, boats created ballistic and cruise missiles with underwater launch and long range, as well as torpedo missiles. Surface ships are armed with missiles and other types of modern weapons, which ensure their high combat effectiveness. A fundamentally new weapon has been developed - anti-tank guided missiles - one of the most effective means of fighting tanks. They were also installed on tanks and helicopters. big development received a receiver and rocket artillery, rifle, bomber, torpedo and mine - explosive weapon. Increased damaging effect of conventional ammunition . Cluster warheads for missiles, active-rocket projectiles and mines, projectiles with swept submunitions, napalm bombs, etc. appeared.
Created new instruments and devices for the preparation of firing and control of fire and weapons ( radar stations, sighting systems, laser rangefinders, night vision devices and sights, etc.) that significantly increase the combat effectiveness of weapons. For the modern development of weapons, its accelerated renewal is characteristic. Cycles of replacement of some types of weapons by others in comparison with the beginning of the 20th century. decreased by 2-3 times.
The discovery of new sources of energy and physical laws, the creation of advanced technical means, leads to the emergence of more efficient types of weapons, which causes significant, and sometimes fundamental changes in the methods and forms of warfare, the theory of military art, the organization of the structure of the armed forces and the practice of training troops. . Weapons are a material factor in scientific and technological progress achieved as a result of the development of theory and experience. In turn, the art of war affects the development of weapons, putting forward requirements for improving existing ones and creating new ones. Of great stimulating importance for the development of weapons is the competition between means of destruction and means of defense (for example, projectiles and armor, means of air attack and air defense, etc.).
The modern development of science and technology makes it possible to create and produce new types of weapons, incl. weapons of mass destruction based on qualitatively new principles of operation. In addition, when using qualitatively new elements in traditional types and weapon systems, the latter can also acquire the properties of weapons of mass destruction. Considering the great threat posed to humanity by weapons of mass destruction, the USSR is waging a consistent and active struggle to ban both existing and new types of weapons.

Strange enough in our age of computer and information technology that some types of weapons that have existed for many years, it seems, still have not solved all their problems. technical problems. It is quite clear that the problems of assault rifles have not yet been resolved. With regard to some of them, created in the 90s, many criticisms were made, which caused their premature replacement. The first was the licensed Spanish CETME automatic rifle, which was replaced by the German G36, which is currently being replaced by a new model.

The French army began to receive new assault rifles that will replace the FAMAS bullpup rifle, which has been in service since the late 70s. The HK416F rifle, created by the German company Heckler & Koch, was chosen to replace it (the numbers indicate compatibility with NATO standards with stores from M4 and M16, the letter F means France). A total of 117,000 rifles will be purchased and deliveries will be made between 2017 and 2028. Initially, the contract provided for the supply of 102,000 rifles, an increase of 15,000 pieces due to the needs of reserve units. About 93,000 rifles are intended for the army, almost 10,000 for the ground units of the fleet and air force. The contract also includes 10,767 HK269F 40x46mm grenade launchers, accessories, ammunition, spare parts and technical support for 15 years.

The Heckler & Koch HK416 rifle was chosen by France; most of rifles will go into service with the ground forces

In June 2017, the first two units of the French army received their NK416 rifles, which will replace the current FAMAS bullpup rifle, which has been in service since the late 70s

The Army will receive 5,300 rifles in 2017, then 10,000 rifles a year between 2018 and 2023, with deliveries cut in half over the last five years of the contract. The share of the army will allow arming the entire personnel of the combat units of the ground forces, which is 77,000 military, as well as those who are not included in these units, plus the personnel of the reserve units. The first two army units received the HK416F in June of this year: the 1st Sniper Regiment received a batch of 150 rifles and the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade a batch of 250 pieces.

Regarding new elements: compared to the previous FAMAS rifle, the new model has a magazine for 30 rounds versus 25; the HK416F rifle also has a mirror-symmetrical design, that is, it easily adapts to both right-handed and left-handed people, which cannot be said about the “clarion” (French bugle, informal name FAMAS), which was produced in two different versions; butt adapts to the size of the soldier. On the handguard four Picatinny rails were mounted, which allows you to install additional systems, for example, a 40-mm HK269F underbarrel grenade launcher, also of a double-sided design, a handle with a bipod, optical sights, etc.

Rifle FAMAS complex FELIN

The HK416F rifle will be produced in two versions: 38,505 units for infantry units are purchased in the standard HK416F-S version with a 14.5-inch barrel, and the remaining 54,575 units under the designation HK416F-C (Court - shortened) will be equipped with an 11-inch barrel. Currently, most of the infantry units are armed with the FAMAS FELIN rifle, adapted to the combat equipment of the French FELIN army. In order to preserve the capabilities of the FELIN complex, these units will keep their old assault rifles in service for some time, as the army plans to release kits around 2020 to adapt the new rifle to the next stage of the FELIN program.

The French army plans to upgrade a total of 14915 HK416F-S rifles in 2020-2021, work will be carried out at the unit level. At the time determined by the command, the troops will receive the new FELIN 2.0 combat equipment, which is a further development of the current system, in which special emphasis is placed on mobility and modularity, as well as weight reduction.

The NK433 rifle, which is easily adaptable for both right-handed and left-handed people, can be equipped with a 40-mm NK269 underbarrel grenade launcher, also of a “double-sided” design, since it can open to the right or left side

The G36 assault rifle from Heckler & Koch, however, is still considered a successful platform. The last known contract was concluded with Lithuania for an improved version of this rifle under the designation G36 KA4M1. Improvements are mainly related to ergonomics: new stock, handguard and rails for sights. Lithuania also purchased a new NK269 underbarrel grenade launcher of a "two-sided" design. The Lithuanian army has already received a number of G36 rifles; a contract from 2016 worth 12.5 million euros provides for the delivery in 2017 of a publicly undisclosed number of rifles and grenade launchers.

Germany finally decided to replace this G36 assault rifle, which was put into service in the mid-90s. In April 2017, the German Defense Procurement Authority launched the System Sturmgewehr Bundeswehr competition. Applications were supposed to be submitted by the end of May, but there was no official information from applicants. The predicted number of rifles should be on the order of 120,000 pieces; the choice will be made next year, while production should start in mid-2019 and go until early 2026, the contract is valued at 245 million euros.

Little is known about the requirements for the new rifle: weight without magazine 3.6 kg, two barrels of different lengths, double-sided rifle, barrel life of at least 15,000 rounds, receiver life twice as high as average. Oddly enough, the requirements say nothing about the caliber, which allows applicants to offer weapons of both NATO standards, 5.56 × 45 and 7.62 × 51, although the first of these is apparently preferable.

The need for the German armed forces in the new assault rifle is about 120,000 pieces. The document does not mention the caliber, but all known contenders are likely to focus on 5.56mm.

Among the contenders, we will no doubt find three national solutions offered by Heckler & Koch, Rheinmetall and Haenel. It remains to be seen how many foreign applicants, such as FN and SIG Sauer, may try their luck in this competition, given the overwhelming desire of the German Parliament to keep money in their country.

In February 2017, Heckler & Koch introduced its new NK433 modular assault rifle, which combines some developments and best performance rifles G36 and NK416, but at the same time its cost is lower than the cost of NK416. It refers to a gas-operated weapon with a short-stroke gas piston, made separately from the bolt carrier, and locked with an optimized-shaped bolt for 7 lugs. The barrels are modular, quick-detachable and are made in six configurations with a length of 11, 12.5, 14.5. 16.5, 18.9 and 20 inches; chrome-plated inside the trunks are made by cold forging. Self-lubricating sliding parts of the shutter made it possible to minimize the maintenance of the weapon.

At the request of the Bundeswehr, the NK433 rifle has a three-position translator of fire modes: “on the fuse”, “single” and “automatic”; rate of fire is 700 rounds per minute. Adjustable gas outlet allows the installation of a silencer. The standard magazine corresponds to NATO STANAG 4179, however, with the help of a special kit, the NK433 rifle can be equipped with a G36 magazine. Bottom part The receiver can be replaced by a G36 or AR-15 type receiver, allowing the user to keep their habits acquired with the previous weapon, thereby reducing the amount of combat training.

The rifle has a buttstock folding to the right with a shoulder rest adjustable in length with a cheek adjustable in height. Shooting can be done with the stock folded; interchangeable grip pads allow you to adapt it to the size of the shooter's hand. The receiver is made of aluminum, equipped with a STANAG 4694 NAR (NATO Accessory Rail - strap for attaching accessories) standard, the handguard has a Picatinny rail / NAR at the 6 o'clock position. At the 3 and 9 o'clock positions we find Nkeu adapters. H&K offers a shot counter that can be downloaded from a short distance using RFID technology. In addition to the 5.56 mm caliber version, the new H&K rifle is also available in 300 AAC Blackout (7.62×35), the 7.62×39 mm variant was designated NK123, while the 7.62×51 mm variant was designated NK231.

The latest development from Heckler & Koch HK433, whose modular concept allows it to be adapted to the habits of G36 or M4 users

Rheinmetall and Steyr Mannlicher have teamed up to take part in a competition to replace the German G36 rifle and offer the RS556 (Rheinmetall - Steyr 5.56) model for it, which is a further development of the STM-556 carbine. presented by an Austrian arms company in 2012. The lower receiver is the same as that of the AR15 rifle, however, modified for left-handers. The rifle is equipped with a more reliable and much less sensitive to contamination system with a short stroke of the gas piston. The piston acts on a rod that moves the bolt carrier back and is locked by a rotary bolt. The bolt frame parts are made of steel, while the upper and lower receivers are made of aluminum.

Five barrels of different lengths are available for the rifle, no tools are required to change them. These solutions are inherited from the Steyr AUG model. The rifle has a four-position gas regulator that can operate in normal mode, in difficult operating conditions, in firing mode with a silencer and with a completely blocked gas outlet. The telescopic polymer stock has 7 length adjustment positions. In addition to the 5.56 mm caliber option, there are also models chambered for .300 AAC Blackout and 7.62x39 mm.

The RS556 rifle from Rheinmetall is similar in many ways to the AR-15 family

A third German applicant, Haenel (although owned by the Emirati company Tawazun), offered another rifle based on the AR15 in the competition to replace the G36. The principle of operation of the automation of the Haenel Mk 556 model is based on the removal of powder gases from the bore. The stock also resembles the M4 butt, with five different barrel lengths offered.

A three-position fuse-translator of firing modes allows you to fire single shots and continuous bursts. Depending on the choice of the customer, two positions are offered for it: fuse-single-automatic, respectively, at 0°-60°-120° or at 0°-90°-180°. The trigger pull is 3.2 kg and all controls and adjustments are ambidextrous. The barrel pad is equipped with four NAR rails, and folding mechanical sights are also installed.

The Bundeswehr contract for a new assault rifle caught the attention of Rheinmetall, which teamed up with Steyr Mannlicher to offer the RS556, a modification of the STM-556.

The last known buyer of the latest development of Accuracy International - the AMHS338 assault rifle chambered for .338 LM - was Lithuania

If everything is more or less clear with the three German applicants, then little is known about possible foreign applicants. In principle, all major manufacturers of small arms are able to present interesting solutions. Another unclear point concerns a possible common system between France and Germany, proposed by France at the end of 2015, when the NK433 rifle had not yet been “published”.

Another competition, albeit on a much smaller scale, was announced in Germany in January 2017. This time, a new rifle became necessary for special operations forces. The Defense Purchasing Authority has identified a need for 1,705 rifles, to which five still need to be added for evaluation testing and another 40 for acceptance testing, that is, the winner will have to supply a total of 1,750 rifles. As for the requirements for the rifle, some of them are known: a rifle chambered for 5.56 × 45 mm with a short stroke of the gas piston, the barrel life is at least 10,000 shots, the receiver is three times longer. The rifle must be adapted for right-handers and singers and be equipped with STANAG 4694 rails on the handguard and receiver so that additional devices can be mounted, such as a laser module, a flashlight and other devices. The weapon must be compatible with a silencer and must be less than 900 mm long without a silencer, the maximum weight without a magazine and optics must not exceed 3.8 kg.

Rheinmetall will undoubtedly submit its RS556 model for this competition, however, Heckler & Koch should submit its models NK416A5 or NK416A5, while Haenel's participation is still in doubt. As with the aforementioned competition, not much is known about foreign applicants who could take part in the German competition. Germany's Special Operations Sip Units (KSK) began receiving the new Haenel RS-9 .338 LM sniper rifle in 2016, designated the G-29 by the Bundeswehr. The length of the weapon is 1275 mm, the length of the barrel is 690 mm, with the butt folded, the total length is reduced to 1020 mm.

The KSK special forces chose the Steiner Military 5-25 × 56-ZF sight, to which, in the case of firing at close range, an Aimpoint Micro 1-2 red dot sight is attached. In June 2017, the special forces began to receive the B&T Monoblock silencer, specially designed for the .338 LM caliber. It adds another 222mm to the length of the rifle and another 652 grams to its weight, which without accessories is 7.54kg.

More recently, it became known that the new G95 assault rifle (HK416A7) will replace the G36KA1/A2/A4 automatic rifles. The new weapon will go into service with the units of the special operations forces of the ground forces and naval special forces

Another country that recently opted for the .338 LM caliber for its snipers was Latvia, which purchased an unnamed number of Accuracy International AXMS rifles in late 2016. This is a big breakthrough in terms of accuracy and range, since before that Lithuanian snipers were armed with 7.62x51mm semi-automatic rifles.

While staying in the sniper world, some of the younger members have joined historic brands. For example, the Austrian Ritter & Stark with its SX-1 Modular Tactical Rifle, available in 7.62×51 300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum, and the Italian Victrix, whose portfolio includes four bolt-action rifles, Pugio chambered in 7.62x51, Gladius chambered in 7.62x51, .260 Remington and 6.5 Creed, Scorpio chambered in .338 LM and .300 Win, and Tormentum chambered in .375 and .408 Cheytac, were recently acquired by Beretta. Loyal to Beretta, Poland recently bought 150 Sako M10 modular rifles chambered in .338 LM.

Beretta, after the start of production of the ARX200 rifle chambered for 7.62 × 51 mm, has already transferred the first batches of the Italian army

Beauties from the Beretta stable inherited from Victrix (from top to bottom): Victrix Scorpio, Victrix Tormentum, Victrix Pugio

As for assault rifles, Beretta supplies its ARX-200 combat rifles to the Italian army. These 7.62x51mm rifles will allow Italian combat units to increase their combat capabilities compared to previous 5.56mm Beretta ARX-160 rifles. Beretta should soon begin development on a semi-automatic variant of the ARX-200, which will become the company's purest Marksman rifle (lowest rank in US Army classification for marksmanship) in the company's portfolio.

A much improved version of the Bren 2 of the original Bren assault rifle has been adopted by the Czech army, which is currently receiving the first batches.

Bren 2 in different configurations: (from top to bottom) 14" barrel, 11" barrel and 8" barrel

Many armies are adopting new rifles. At the end of last year, the Czech army received the first batch of CZ Bren 2 assault rifles. 2600 units were ordered, 1900 with a 356 mm barrel and 700 rifles in a shortened configuration with a 280 mm barrel. Also at the end of 2016, the Dutch naval special forces received his short-barreled SIG MCX carbines, becoming the first among the special forces to switch to .300 Blackout caliber; new carbines will replace submachine guns in close combat. Among the ammunition included in the contract, you can find not only standard cartridges and cartridges with subsonic bullets, but also lead-free thin-walled bullets that allow you to avoid ricochet when working in confined spaces.

In early January 2017, the Turkish army received the first batch of 500 MRT-76 7.62 × 51 mm assault rifles from MKEK; in accordance with the contract, 35,000 rifles will be manufactured by two companies, MKEK will produce 20,000 pieces, and KaleKalip, respectively, 15,000 pieces. At IDEF 2017, MKEK presented its new assault rifle chambered for 5.56 × 45 mm MRT-55 (Milli Piyade Tiifegi - national infantry rifle), which comes in two versions, standard with a 368 mm barrel and shortened (MRT-55K) . New rifle features a short-stroke gas exhaust system similar to that of the AR-15 rifle; it was designed to meet the needs of the Turkish special forces; at the end of 2016, 20,000 rifles were ordered.

In addition, a version of the MRT-76 rifle with a 508 mm table was presented, designated KNT-76 (Keskin Nisanci Tiifegi - sniper rifle); a version of the KAAN-717 carbine with a 305 mm barrel was also shown. As for Russia, it is very active in the small arms market. For example, Venezuela is building a plant in Maracay for the production of Russian AK-103 and AK-104 assault rifles, as well as 7.62 × 39 mm cartridges, which is due to open in 2019.

The family of automatic weapons manufactured by Israel Weapons Industries is a further development of the Galil assault rifle. Photos of Galil ACE models 21, 22 and 23 (top to bottom). An Israeli company recently signed an agreement with India's Punj Lloyd to create a joint venture for the production of small arms of various calibers.

India has always been and remains one of the main potential customers of small arms. Its small arms market is valued at several billion dollars. The Ministry of Defense of India recently issued a request for proposals for the purchase of a limited number of 7.62mm assault rifles, submachine guns and pistols for the special forces of the Air Force.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg of contracts aimed at re-equipping the Indian armed forces. Foreign companies are merging with local firms. It is not necessary to look far for an example, the Israeli company IWI in May 2017 created a joint venture with Punj Lloyd, known as Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems, for the joint production of small arms. India's historical opponent, Pakistan, is also on the lookout for new small arms to replace its G3 and Touré 56 rifles in 7.62x51mm and 7.62x39mm. In search of potential contracts, several applicants, including FN, CZ, Beretta, keep a close eye on everything that happens in the country in the field of small arms.

Finally, a small summary table:

The situation in modern world such that the Russian Federation, in order to maintain its sovereignty and play key roles in the international arena, is forced to strengthen its combat capability. And what is the strengthening of combat capability? This is, first of all, strengthening the Russian army with new weapons - classified weapons, and those that Russia sells to other countries.

This article will talk about the latest developments weapons in Russia. Some of these weapons are already being used by our troops, other new models are under development and testing, and should enter service with the Russian army in 2018-2019.

Here it should be said again that at present Russia is developing and testing many types of weapons of a new generation, moreover, testing new weapons in Russia is a secret matter. For obvious reasons, nothing can be said about such weapons yet. In addition, within the framework of a separate article, it is simply impossible to talk about all the new developments, so we will only talk about some of the most high-profile samples of modern Russian weapons.

The latest weapons of Russia 2017-2018

Generally speaking, according to prominent weapons experts and politicians, in the coming years, the Russian armed forces should receive:

• More than 600 aircraft of various types: fighters, long-range aircraft, strategic bombers, etc.;
• More than 1000 latest helicopters;
• Over 300 new super air defense systems;
• Ballistic missiles of a new generation with nuclear warheads;
• New nuclear weapons;
• New precision weapons(bombs, missiles, etc.), as well as latest systems aiming such weapons, designed for high-precision shooting;
• New weapons to destroy tanks and other ground vehicles;
• The latest models of small arms and military equipment;
• Miscellaneous military equipment new generation, as well as other products of domestic weapons enterprises.

In addition, the Armed Forces of Russia in the near future should receive troop control systems based on automation. A new Russian secret weapon is also being developed. According to some reports, the latest small arms in Russia are currently being developed, the operation of which is supposed to be based on fundamentally new physical methods.

In addition, work continues on the creation hypersonic missiles, which are supposed to be based not on the surface of the earth, but in the airspace. It is assumed that the speed of such rockets will be 7-8 times higher than the speed of sound. This, for obvious reasons, will be Russia's latest secret weapon.

In addition, work is underway in Russia on other types of superweapons. Some of these samples of Russia's superweapons will be discussed below.

Russian nuclear weapons

It is known that the main shield of our country is strategic nuclear weapons. Until now, well-known domestic samples of strategic nuclear weapons "Voevoda" and "Sotka" serve perfectly. However, they are already changing to more advanced models (Topol, Topol-M).

However, in addition to those listed, a new secret weapon of Russia, that is, new models of strategic missiles, is being actively and successfully developed and implemented. Here are just a few of them:

• RS-24 Yars. The re-equipment of the Russian army with such missiles, in fact, is already underway. According to the Russian command, missiles of this type will replace obsolete models of strategic missile weapons (the same Topol and Topol-M);
• RS-26 Frontier. This complex is designed to use an intercontinental ballistic missile with increased firing accuracy. In 2014, the complex entered service with the Russian army. It is assumed that this missile will replace Topol-M and Yars in the future;
• BZHRK Barguzin. Since this type of weapon is not yet used in the Russian army (it is under development), there is little information about it. This new Russian secret weapon is expected to become operational in 2018;
• Missile launcher "Vanguard". This is a fundamentally new weapon, its effectiveness compared to the same "Topol-M" can be 50 times higher. The warhead of this missile is capable of flying from 16,000 to 25,000 km. The rocket launcher is supposed to be put into service in 2018;
• Missile bottom systems. These are, in fact, rocket launchers located on the seabed and, accordingly, launching missiles from the depths of the sea. One of these complexes was named "Skif". The essence of the action of such a complex is as follows. The rocket located on the seabed is in constant standby mode. When the command is fired, the missile fires and hits a surface ship or any ground target. The water column serves as a kind of mine for the rocket. The first test launch of the rocket since the day White Sea was made back in 2013. Development of bottom missile systems carried out to this day;
• Mobile missile systems. Based on the name, such complexes can be moved from place to place, which is their considerable advantage compared to stationary complexes. Russia is currently working on the creation of railway and naval mobile missile systems. One of the test marine mobile missile systems was placed in an ordinary cargo container. A test launch of a rocket from such a complex had a considerable effect on observers and experts.

We repeat: all this is only a small part of the missile weapons adopted in 2017 or planned to enter the Russian armed forces in the near future.

Anti-tank weapons

Concerning anti-tank weapons, then there are also unique samples that have no analogues anywhere in the world. Here are just a few of these examples:

• Missile complex Kornet-D. This is very effective weapon to destroy enemy armored vehicles. Since the complex is a missile one, therefore, the destruction of enemy armored vehicles is carried out by missiles;
• Hermes complex. Its first version, called "Hermes-A", was intended to be destroyed using helicopters. The complex is attached to a helicopter, and in this way fire is fired at enemy armored vehicles. Currently, work is underway to create new versions of anti-tank systems, which are designed to expand and diversify the use of weapons. In particular, it is known that in the near future, missiles fired from the Hermes complex should be used from the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile system;
• MGK BUR. In fact, this is a new improved type of grenade launcher, which has a reusable launcher and one shot. That is, after each shot, the grenade launcher must be reloaded, as was the case in all previous versions of this type of weapon.

Other samples of anti-tank weapons that are currently being worked on are classified, and therefore there is no need to talk about them in detail.

New small arms

Speaking of “new weapons of Russia”, it is impossible to do without mentioning the new small arms produced in the country. Missiles, planes and ships are, of course, wonderful, but it is small arms that are primarily able to protect the most valuable thing - the life of a soldier. Here are just some of the new samples of Russian small arms:

• Two-medium automatic ADS. This is a unique new small arms of Russia, which is capable of firing both outdoors and under water. In addition, the machine is designed in such a way that it can be fired from both the left and right hands. The assault rifle began to be mass-produced in 2016, and it entered service with the Russian army in 2017;
• SVLK-14S. Such a rifle is an extremely accurate Russian sniper weapon, which can effectively hit a target at a distance of up to 2 km. In addition, it is the most powerful small arms to date;
• Lebedev pistol (PL-14). Domestic pistols - perhaps the most weakness our small arms. The famous "Makarov" has long been outdated - both in terms of its combat qualities, and in other senses, there are also complaints about other domestic pistols. Against this background, new domestic pistol, designed by designer Lebedev, looks very attractive. The pistol is very light and thin, it can be fired both with the right and left hand, its recoil is small, the accuracy of fire and the rate of fire exceeds the available domestic counterparts. The gun should go into service with both the army and the police. In addition, the designers also promise a sports version of the PL-14.

Currently, several defense enterprises of the country are working on the creation of a fundamentally new small arms, in no way similar to the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle. In particular, it is already known that such a weapon will have a striking mechanism and a buttstock in the buttstock, and it is supposed to shoot from such weapons with specially designed (innovative) cartridges. Such cartridges will significantly increase the accuracy and range of fire, as well as destructive force. The first samples of such weapons have already arrived this year in the Russian armed forces. Massively new small arms will begin to enter the army and special forces in 2020.

Robots as the newest weapon of Russia

It is clear that in the age of electronic technology, robots can also (and must) be weapons. What is actually happening. This year, Russia began to create special forces robots. According to the designers, such robots will be able to provide significant assistance to soldiers on the battlefield: help snipers in choosing a target, deliver ammunition, and also perform the functions of orderlies - that is, find the wounded, provide them with first aid and transport them to medical facilities. These robots are currently being tested.

Another combat robot (or rather, a robotic military complex), which was given the name "Nerekhta". It moves on caterpillars and is armed with a Kord machine gun. Initially, the robot was conceived as an artillery fire spotter, but soon the designers realized that being just a spotter for such a machine is not enough.

Currently, the robot "Nerekhta" can go on reconnaissance, quietly destroy an enemy pillbox, open fire from a machine gun and thereby support its fighters. The robot is able to move up to 30 km per hour, it is controlled by a remote control. Since the robot is equipped with an optoelectronic system, a thermal imager, a laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer, it is currently also successfully used as a security guard for missile systems.

Currently, work is underway to improve the robot. So, this year, an improved version of Nerekhta-2 was tested. Such a robot will be a “squire” of a fighter, that is, he will carry his weapons and equipment behind the fighter. The robot can be controlled by voice and gestures. In addition, the robot will act in sync with the fighter it serves. For example, if a fighter took aim and fired at some target, then the robot from its weapon will also shoot at the same target - for reliability and safety.