Inside the Kalashnikov Factory: Home of the World’s Most Reliable Weapon
Despite western sanctions, Kalashnikov is thriving
RI Staff 
You can file this one under “what western sanctions?”
Washington’s economic war against Russian industries was supposed to cripple the export and manufacturing capabilities of companies such as Kalashnikov Concern.
But according to an excellent video report about the company’s operations, the sanctions actually backfired.
Kalashnikov has not only expanded its exports since the sanctions began in 2014, it also learned to manufacture parts they bought elsewhere. The maker of the world’s most iconic weapon is swamped with orders — and plans to expand staff by 30%.
On a humorous note, the report also explains that the U.S. was forced to temporarily lift sanctions in order to buy spare parts for 50 Mi-70 helicopters used by the Afghan military.
The report also looks at how the company produces a number of high-tech peacetime products, including medical equipment and civilian helicopters.
Watch (with English subtitles, because we love you):