AR-15s In Ukraine
BY Herschel Smith
2 years, 9 months ago
I’ve followed the infantry weapons in use, from the bullpup IPI Malyk to AR-15s and AKs. Of course, some idiot always drops by to respond that it’s all propaganda rather than really add to the conversation about weaponry.
This article outlines some really nice rifles recently given to their fighters.
Ukrainian National Guard special forces have started to receive their first 5.56x45mm AR-15-patterned rifles. This comes as some Ukrainian National Guard units have begun to rearm in line with NATO standards as part of closer alignment with the western alliance.
The official press announcement of the Ukrainian National Guard does not name the unit, only saying that a separate special unit of the Eastern Territorial Administration has received new UAR-15 assault rifles. The Firearm Blog website mentions that in recent months Ukraine also received a shipment of US military aid worth $60 million. Since the outbreak of the conflict in Donbass and the annexation of Crimea, Ukraine has undergone a massive rearmament program and kick-started its defense industry with a number of attempts at developing a small arms manufacturing capability which has seen the development of the FORT-250 rifle and the M4-WAC-47.
The rifles in the photos released by the National Guard are clearly marked “UKROP”, a branch of Ukraine’s state-run “Ukroboronprom” concern. The UKROP UAR-15 has been exhibited at a number of defense trade shows since 2018, and it seems that production of the rifle is now underway. The rifle appears to be patterned after the AR-15/M4, with a KeyMod forend, an enlarged T-charging handle, an adjustable stock and a full-length top rail. The rifles also appear to be select fire. They are also shown with Lancer translucent polymer magazines and a suppressor with flash hider, which is reportedly rated for up to 10,000 rounds.
I see the flash hider, I don’t see the suppressor. Maybe the author is wrong about that. But they are using translucent mags, a light KeyMod forend, a nice charging handle, and MLOK attachment rails along with a full 1913 rail on top. The rifles appear to be Cerakoted charcoal gray.
On March 24, 2022 at 10:13 pm, George 1 said:
Not the best place to mount the Aimpoints, IMHO.
On March 25, 2022 at 5:33 pm, Ned said:
Those flash hiders appear to be suppressor mounts. Probably just don’t have them mounted for this photo op.
On March 25, 2022 at 7:08 pm, Huck said:
Not the best place to mount the Aimpoint unless you plan on mounting a magnifier.
On March 25, 2022 at 7:46 pm, Red Man said:
Are we sure that we know where this photo was taken?
On March 26, 2022 at 7:49 pm, Russell G. said:
@George1 @Huck; Xactly. (It’s still too far forward for a mag).
@Ned; Yep, QD with a birdcage-like slot config. for flash. With that extension into the baffle core probably not much “suppression’. Slick Tactical-Ninja(TM) look, tho.