On Military Spy Day, the Kalashnikov group highlighted the weapons, equipment, and technologies that equip Russia’s elite forces.
Military Spy Day honors professionals considered the elite of the Russian Armed Forces — soldiers who carry out high-risk missions deep in enemy territory, relying solely on their training, comrades, and reliable weaponry.
The Kalashnikov Group used the occasion to present some of the solutions it provides to these elite units.
Among the most commonly used equipment are the traditional AK assault rifle series, the Dragunov (SVD) and Chukavin (SVCh) sniper rifles, as well as special weapons such as the PSS-2 silent pistol, the NRS-2 knife-gun, the APS underwater rifle, the SPP-1 underwater pistol, the AS “Val” assault rifle, and the VSS “Vintorez” sniper rifle.
According to a veteran of the Russian naval special forces, the APS underwater rifle “has no equivalent in the world.” He stated that “at a depth of five meters, in skilled hands, the APS hits targets accurately up to 30 meters away and operates flawlessly in any environment, from the Arctic to the Antarctic.”
The Val and Vintorez rifles are also widely praised by soldiers from both northern and southern Russia. According to troops from the Northern Command, these weapons “never fail, even under extreme temperatures or during long missions,” having been successfully used in operations in the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Africa. Airborne units (VDV) also use these silent weapons in missions behind enemy lines, where stealth is vital.
High-tech drones and sensors
Russian reconnaissance units also rely on drones developed by Kalashnikov, widely used in the current “special military operation.”
The SKAT 350M is cited as one of the main aerial reconnaissance drones, complemented by mini-drones such as the Goliath and Karakurt, used for real-time surveillance and intelligence missions.
Equipped with automatic return systems, these drones can fly back to their launch point if signal is lost, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.
In addition to weapons and drones, Kalashnikov also manufactures a line of thermal monoculars and advanced optical systems. The “Kudesnik” (“Wizard”) can detect human figures up to 1.7 km away, with up to four hours of autonomous operation.
The “Pygmy” model, an enhanced version, allows lens swapping for greater range and field of view, while the compact “Mongoose” offers clear vision up to 500 meters and can be mounted on helmets or tripods. All are designed to withstand dust, water, and temperatures from -20°C to +50°C.
Source and images: Concern Kalashnikov
