Russia to get Kalashnikov arms corporation

Moscow, Nov 12 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The creator of the Kalashnikov assault rifle has agreed to let his name be used as a brand for a new arms corporation, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

The new group of companies will unite the Izhmekh and the Izhmash — two prominent state-owned enterprises in the republic of Udmurtia in Volga federal district.

Mikhail Kalashnikov, who turned 93 Saturday, personally authorised the use of his name for the new group, Rogozin, who oversees military equipment matters at the government, said on his Twitter.

The Izhmash was manufacturing Kalashnikovs since the rifle first went into mass production in 1949, while the Izhmekh is best known for producing Makarov and Yarygin handguns.

Both factories also manufacture a wide range of other produce for military and civil purposes.

But the plants are flagging due to lack of clients “Izhmash went bankrupt in April” and the government is now planning to revive them by merging them together under the new brand.

—IANS/RIA Novosti

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IANS 2012-11-12 08:56:10