The Kalashnikov Corporation is the largest manufacturer of combat automatic weapons and the leader of the Russian small arms industry: it accounts for 95% of small arms production in Russia.
M. Kalashnikov presented his first models of a submachine gun, a handgun and a semi-automatic carbine during the Great Patriotic War. In 1947, he designed the AK-47 assault rifle for the 1943 model cartridge, which successfully passed all tests.
75 years ago, on June 18 of 1949, following the Decree of the USSR Council of Ministers No. 2611-1033ss, the Soviet Army adopted the 7.62 mm Kalashnikov assault rifle (AK), which went down in history as the AK-47.
The Kalashnikov assault rifle is registered in the Guinness Book of Records as the most widespread small arms in the world: the total production of all modifications is estimated at more than 100 million units; it is in service with the armies and Special Forces of 106 countries.
Today, the Kalashnikov Corporation produces the assault rifle of the fifth generation, the AK-12, which was introduced into service in 2020.
The postage stamps provide images of Kalashnikov assault rifles: AK-47, AKMS, AK74 and AK-12.
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