Events

Developing machine gun named among key tasks for Belarus’ defense industry

MINSK, 18 August (BelTA) – Developing a machine gun is one of the key priorities for domestic specialists in the near future, Chairman of the Belarusian State Authority for Military Industry Dmitry Pantus told the media on 18 August, BelTA has learned.

“One of the key tasks we have set for ourselves is the development of a machine gun. I think for the next two years we will be dedicating our efforts and leveraging our experience to create this product,” Dmitry Pantus said.

The upcoming goals of the State Authority for Military Industry came to light during the discussion of the domestic VSK-100B assault rifle. Dmitry Pantus pointed out that launching this manufacturing process was a major challenge, but Belarusian specialists succeeded within two and a half years. “Our work on small arms started in 2018–2019. Back then, it involved certain modifications relying on imported parts, often utilizing components and units manufactured in Russia,” he stressed.

As previously reported, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko inspected a proprietary, fully localized serial production line for small arms and the first domestic model, the VSK-100B assault rifle, during his visit to the Kidma Tech production facility on 18 August.

Kidma Tech is a research and development company, affiliated with the State Authority for Military Industry. It focuses on the R&D, production, and sale of high-tech dual-use products, encompassing small arms, optical surveillance systems, body armor, and robotics.

Chambered for 7.62x39mm, the VSK-100B assault rifle is an advanced weapon utilizing an AK-based design. It supports the installation of optical and electro-optical targeting systems along with auxiliary equipment, including bipods, silencers, under-barrel grenade launchers, and knife bayonets. The design incorporates a folding adjustable stock, a storage-integrated grip, and comprises 141 individual parts.

The integration of a reinforced barrel and receiver into the VSK-100B design increases barrel durability and enhances both accuracy and shot grouping over comparable small arms. Additionally, the option for auxiliary attachments enables the assault rifle to dual-role as a light machine gun and a sniper rifle.