The most widely used of those three is the Yarygin PYa, a full-size service pistol firing 9x19mm ammunition, produced in Izhevsk by IMZ / Kalashnikov group. Developed during the late 1980s for the Russian Army “Grach” trials, it looks like it has been actually designed during the mid-1970s, with its classic hammer-fired DA trigger, non-decocking safety and massive all-steel construction. Its overall production is estimated as something between 150,000 and 300,000 guns, delivered to the Russian government during the last 15 years. Two other pistols look somewhat more modern, but their production numbers are noticeably smaller and run in the thousands rather than hundreds of thousands. Those are the GSh-18, a polymer-framed, striker-fired pistol in 9x19mm, produced by KBP in Tula, and the SR-1M, polymer-framed but with a hammer-fired DA trigger with automated grip safety, produced by TsNIITochMash in Klimovsk. The last gun also is unique because it fires proprietary 9x21mm ammunition, which, in terms of power, is closer to .357 SIG SAUER than to 9×19, and is available in FMJ, expanding and AP loads.

However, each of those pistols left something to be desired, and recent years saw the appearance of two more modern service pistols, which seem to compete for orders from the Russian military and law enforcement. These two are Lebedev pistols from the Kalashnikov group and the “Udav” pistol from TsNIITochMash.

Lebedev PL

Kalashnikov group is the largest Russian small arms manufacturer and, among others, controls IZHMASH and IMZ Baikal factories in Izhevsk. It introduced its new service pistol in 2015. Originally designated as PL-14, “Pistolet Lebedeva” (a pistol designed by Dmitry Lebedev), it was later redesignated PL-15 and went through several iterations. According to an interview with Kalashnikov group representatives at the Russian Army Expo in June 2019, the first Lebedev pistol to be produced “in numbers” will be a sport version, factory-designated “SP-1.” Intended for IPSC and other similar sports, it is similar to upcoming law enforcement versions, known as MPL (Modular Pistol, Lebedev), but features nicer grip panels made from wood and a standard, non-threaded barrel.

Two current law enforcement versions of the Lebedev pistol are the aforementioned MPL (former PL-15), a full-size service pistol which can be equipped with extended threaded barrel for use with suppressor, and PLK (former PL-15K), a compact version roughly similar dimensionally to the old Makarov PM, but offering noticeably better accuracy and firepower. All versions feature striker-fired, single-action triggers and manual safeties. Versions with a DAO trigger and internal hammer, which were on display previous years, seem to be shelved, at least for the time being. The MPL pistol is primarily intended for use by Rosgvardia, a relatively new Russian para-military law enforcement service, and by various SWAT-type units. PLK seems to be targeted toward replacing the old and outdated Makarov PM in the hands of ordinary law enforcement personnel.

As noted above, all current versions of the Lebedev pistol feature striker-fired, SA triggers with a cocking indicator in the shape of a small pin which protrudes from the back of the slide. Manual safety levers are located on either side of the frame. The frame itself is made from aluminum alloy, as it offers better strength and less flexing compared to polymers, especially when firing high-impulse Russian service ammunition such as 7N21 AP, which is graded way above “+P” pressures. Lebedev pistols use traditional Browning-type short recoil actions, with vertically tilting barrels controlled by a cam-shaped cut below the breech. Magazines are of proprietary design, double-stack and single-feed. Current production pistols feature dovetailed front and rear sights, compatible with Glock aftermarket sights. The front of the frame is shaped to form the Picatinny rail below the barrel. Overall, the pistol features excellent grip shape, low barrel axis and rather good trigger pull, about 2kg / 5 pounds, with only 2mm of travel and reset. Newest versions of MPL and SP-1 are planned to feature “optics ready” slides in the near future, with integral mounting points for micro Red Dot sights.

Udav

Udav means “python snake” in Russian. Officially introduced in 2017, this large pistol received government approval in early 2019 and is said to be geared toward the military; although its use seems to be limited by the fact that it is designed for proprietary 9×21 ammunition. Normally loaded with AP bullets that feature hardened steel core, exposed at the front, it is a formidable round, but the problem is that it is proprietary and produced only at TsNIITochMash. This round so far has seen limited use in two weapons from the same manufacturer, the SR-1M pistol and SR-2M submachine gun. This year TsNIITochMash also introduced a 9×19 version of Udav, but it appears to be too bulky a design for the ubiquitous 9×19, although there’s no doubt that it can consume a steady diet of powerful 9×19 7N21 AP or 7N30 AP ammunition for a long time.

Like the Lebedev pistol, Udav features the most common type of short-recoil-operated, locked breech action of Browning type, with a cam-controlled vertically tilting barrel. In all versions, Udav features a traditional DA trigger with exposed hammer and ambidextrous slide-mounted safety levers. When applied, the safety also safely drops (decocks) the hammer. The frame of the pistol is made from impact-resistant polymer, and due to use of a longer round, it is somewhat bulky in the grip area. There’s no way to change the grip circumference, no replacement backstraps or grip panels. Magazines are double-stack and double-feed. Udav pistol has no slide release lever; its slide hold-open device is purely internal and is designed to release slide automatically as soon as a fresh magazine is fully inserted into the grip. For use by Special Forces, it can be equipped with an extended threaded barrel. Proprietary sound suppressor features a carbon fiber body to decrease its weight.

Unlike the PL-15, which is rather pleasant to shoot, Udav is somewhat harder to master due to more powerful 9×21 ammunition and higher barrel axis; however, in trained hands it is a very accurate gun that can be effectively fired at extended ranges of up to 100m.

Who’ll win?

So far there’s no positive info about what pistol will be adopted, by what service and in what numbers. And there’s actually a third runner in this competition, the rarely mentioned MPYa, a Modified PYa pistol from the Kalashnikov group. It is based on a proven and tested PYa but features a more slightly redesigned locking system which doubles its service life with 7N21 ammo. It also has an improved grip and frame shape, with an integrated Picatinny rail below the barrel. So far, it appears to be a “Plan B” for the Kalashnikov group for the unlikely event of something going wrong with the Lebedev pistol. Only time will tell the winner, and we will report to you anything of interest in this regard as soon as new information is to be available from Russian officials.

Specifications

Ammunition Specifications

S&T Motiv

Since founded in 1981, S&T Motiv has produced and developed products for the defense industry, automotive core components and others with over 30 years of precision technology. Based on a variety of experiences as well as global competitiveness, the company has become established as a global company entering the world marketplace, including Asia, Europe and America, through innovative management aimed at being a top-notch company for the 21^st century.

XK8 5.56mm Assault Rifle

The XK8 5.56mm AR rifle is a bullpup rifle firing the SS109 bullet. The 3X optical scope and the laser designator ensure rapid shooting and high accuracy. The stock is made from a high-strength engineering plastic. It has a standard Picatinny rail that allows mounting of various optical sights and accessories. The flash suppressor’s unique design resists muzzle climb and minimizes flash exposure.

K2C 5.56mm Assault Rifle

The South Korean K2C is broadly equivalent to the U.S. M4 carbine. It’s the carbine version of the K2 and a more compact version with a shorter barrel and telescopic buttstock. The 310mm (12.2 inches) barrel has a 3-prong flash hider. The MIL-STD-1913 rails allow mounting for optics, lights and laser devices. The K2C has a stamped and welded sheet-steel construction rather than the use of machined forging techniques employed in the M16 assault rifle and M4 carbine. As a result, the K2C is built to looser mechanical tolerances, which also reduced the weapon’s production price. The K2C retains a number of the M16 and M4 design features, including a generally similar receiver and bolt group. However, this carbine has a different gas system which is more reliable.

K1A 5.56mm Submachine Gun

The K1A is used by South Korean special forces and soldiers, who do not need a full-size assault rifle. The K1/K1A short carbines were developed first. The full-sized K2 assault rifle was developed later. The K1A is the upgraded version of the K1 carbine (developed as a submachine gun to replace the M3 “Grease Gun” for the South Korean military and police forces for the South Korean military).

The K1A is considered a submachine gun by the South Korean military, despite the fact that it fires a 5.56x45mm NATO/.223 Remington cartridge like the full-sized assault rifle.

K7 9mm Silenced Submachine Gun

Its integral silencer reduces the pressure of the gas produced during discharge, and by extension, reduces the amount of noise generated.

In addition, the silencer significantly distorts the sound of the gunshot so that it is very difficult to pinpoint the location of the shooter. Per shot, the mean average of noise generated by the K7 is approximately 111dB noise. Some parts are compatible with the K1A submachine gun. The safety/selector lever—Safe, Semi, Burst (3 rounds) and Auto is one-handed. It’s a blowback-operated system with a fixed barrel. The stock is 3-position collapsible.

XK9/XK9C 9mm Submachine Gun

These blowback operating submachine guns have retractable buttstocks for maneuverability in any conditions. The selector level has three positions: Safe, Burst (3 rounds) and Auto for the XK9; Safe, Semi and Auto for the XK9C. The Picatinny rail allows mounting of various optical sights and accessories. The weapons are under mass production.

K11 20mm/5.56mm Dual-Barrel Air-Burst Weapon

The K11 is a dual-barrel air-bursting weapon (under and over barrel bullpup) system that combines the lethal 20mm air-bursting ammunition and 5.56mm NATO ammunition with an automatic electro-optical fire control system (FCS) to effectively defeat targets at extended ranges. The weapon is ergonomically designed with a high-strength AI and an Alloy upper receiver. The lower receiver and buttstock are polymer. The 20mm barrel with fuze setter is in Titanium alloy. The FCS has optical day sight with digital reticle, night sight with IR sensor, eye safe laser range finder, ballistic computer and environment sensors. The K11 can fire both 20mm and 5.56mm ammunition with the single trigger (Fire mode: 20mm single-shot mode, 5.56mm semiauto mode and 5.56mm 3-round burst mode). Moreover, the K11 can fire at point targets and especially hidden targets in a fox hole with 20mm air-bursting ammunition.  With such high-level combat capability, K11 is certainly expected to be linked to future soldier systems. The 20mm air-bursting ammo has a turn count programmable air-bursting fuze. The warhead is two-layer preformed fragmentation.

KOREA Special-Purpose Weapon

This corner gun has a K5, 9mm pistol with a 13R magazine. The trigger system is electronic, safety and fire mode. For targeting, the weapon has a CCD camera, flashlight and visible/IR laser. Its digital sight is HMD/LCD monitor with a visible fixed crosshair. The high resolution color display fits images to the shooter’s naked eyes. The folding stock rotate angle is ±60. The traversing handle and foregrip, provides extra grip and easy special-purpose weapon operation.

The weapon has MIL-STD-1913 mounting rails for various optics and accessories.

This Korean weapon resembles another type of corner gun that was devised by two former senior officers from the elite units of the Israel Defense Forces, the Corner Shot. It’s a weapon system that allows the user to shoot around corners using a video screen to aim and a swiveling gun-mount that can rotate up to 90^o. This corner gun can accurately engage targets up to 330 feet (100m) with a 9mm pistol and up to 565 feet (200m) away with a 5.56mm rifle.

K6 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun

This Korean-made .50-inch (12.7mm) heavy machine gun was one of the competitors for a Norwegian acquisition of new 12.7mm HMGs. It’s a closed-bolt design; short-recoil barrel operation, fixed headspace, and timing eliminates safety concerns associated with barrel changing and improper timing. The weapon can be fitted to all types of armored, light and heavy vehicles, naval crafts, helicopters and other aircraft. The weapon fires all types of NATO ammunition: ball, tracer, AP, API, APIT, AP hardcore and multipurpose, sustained automatic or single-shot accuracy. The quick changeable barrel (QCB) allows the barrel to be quickly exchanged by one operator.

What makes Nammo different from other military cartridge producers is that we focus on specialty ammunition. While giant factories like Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP) in Independence, MO (U.S.), turn out millions of general-purpose rounds, Nammo concentrates on products that can defeat armor, incapacitate air and ground vehicles, lighten the load and make training more effective.

Nammo is a relative newcomer but with a long legacy. The company started in 1998 by combining military ammunition businesses in the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden and Finland. Originally short for “Nordic Ammunition Company,” it today includes factories that have been building bullets, charges and cartridges for hundreds of years. In the 21 years since its founding, Nammo has grown to include factories in Germany, Spain and the U.S. Today Nammo has operations at six locations in the U.S., including: Mesa, AZ; Columbus, MS; Salt Lake City, Utah; Scranton and Moscow, PA; and most recently in Bay St. Louis, MS, following the acquisition of polymer cartridge manufacturer MAC LLC, today owned 55% by Nammo.

Combat Effective Ammunition

One of the key products Nammo delivers to the U.S. Military is 5.56mm and 7.62mm Armor Piercing Ammunition. These rounds feature Tungsten carbide (WC) penetrators that punch through light steel armor plate and virtually all building materials—even reinforced concrete. The M995 (5.56mm) round is compatible with standard weapons such as the M16/M4 family of rifles and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) system. The M995 can penetrate armor up to ½-inch thick including “improvised armor” attached to commercial vehicles—think pick-up trucks with steel plates covering the doors. Similarly, the M993 (7.62mm) can be used with the M240 machine gun, M134 Gatling gun, all varieties of 7.62mm marksman and sniper rifles and the SCAR-heavy. The M993 can penetrate up to ¾ inch of RHA at 100m and can stop a vehicle with shots to the engine block.

Nammo also makes .338 diameter AP projectiles and ammunition under the Lapua brand. These rounds are generally intended for anti-materiel purposes. High value targets such as RADARS, communications vehicles and data systems are no match for a .338 Lapua Magnum or .338 Norma Magnum round fired from almost a mile away.

In the 1980s, Nammo’s predecessor company, Raufoss Ammunition, developed the MK211 .50 caliber round by scaling down a 20mm Multipurpose Aircraft cartridge. Known ever since as the “Raufoss round,” it maximizes the effectiveness of a .50 cal sniper system, an M2HB or its cousins, the M3, GAU-19 and GAU-21. This is the round that keeps armored personnel carrier drivers and passengers up at night. The Multipurpose technology includes a Tungsten carbide penetrator combined with an incendiary compound and a high explosive.

When the projectile strikes a target, the impact energy ignites the incendiary—part of which acts as a fuzed delay for the high explosive. In the meantime, the Tungsten carbide penetrator punches through the armor making a hole where the blast, blast fragments and incendiary join armor spall to create an “extreme effect” on the other side.

The current version of the Raufoss round will penetrate 22mm (0.86 inch) of armor plate at 200m (~220 yards) and will punch through multiple layers of brick and adobe, not to mention lighter materials like wood. Because of its unique construction, tight tolerances, rearward center of gravity and the concentration of mass near the axial centerline, MP rounds are extremely accurate when used in .50 cal sniper systems.

Training and Low-Collateral Damage Cartridges

Several training scenarios require a different style of ammunition to preserve training ranges, limit surface danger zones or protect the shooter.

First are situations where the range (including the size of the Surface Danger Zone, or SDZ) is necessarily small. This can occur when a training range is needed close to a base, when the local population is encroaching on an existing base or when the total size of the ranges is fixed, but more smaller “sub ranges” would allow more individuals and units to train at once. For these situations, Nammo makes Reduced Range (RR/RR-T) ammunition. These cartridges, available as ball and tracer, allow for realistic weapon firing for a few hundred meters (7.62mm) or up to 1500m for .50cal but with a total danger zone that is less than half of that for a standard round. Nammo’s solution uses spin dampening “flutes” at the front of a lighter-weight projectile with a “non-boat-tail” rear. This allows the projectile to start out like a regular round but with a lower ballistic coefficient (BC) and a fast-decaying spin rate; once it passes the training target it soon slows and hits the ground. In addition to use in training, these rounds have been used in combat situations where civilians are near the combat zone or when delicate or expensive equipment is nearby—think ship defense when in port.

Another situation where a less destructive, shorter-range round is needed is close combat training—especially in shoot houses. It is important the ammunition enables realistic training but with little damage to the training structure and a reduced risk of injury/death of the participants who are working in close quarters. For these scenarios, Nammo makes Plastic Short Range Training Ammunition (PSRTA). The body of these cartridges and the plastic projectile are made in one piece. Upon firing, the plastic bullet separates from the case and accelerates down the barrel. These rounds are still lethal at very close range, but when fired from at least a meter away, they don’t penetrate shoot house building materials and the ricochets have a low probability of causing a serious injury (but please, keep your safety glasses in place).

Recent Developments

Nammo continually asks, “What do warfighters need to do their job better?” With the U.S. military’s experiences since 2003, two specific requests top the list: lower weight and reduced signature.

Lower Weight

An ammunition cartridge has four components: a bullet, smokeless powder, a primer and a cartridge case. Carrying ammunition in bulk is expensive and heavy. The weight of the ammunition alone is a significant part of the more than 75 pounds an infantryman is typically asked to carry. Both the powder and the bullet are more effective in proportion to their mass. That is, in general, a bigger projectile going faster is better. The primer doesn’t have much mass, so that leaves the cartridge case—a part of the system that just “sits there.” Its job is to provide a container for the bullet, powder and primer and to provide a seal against the gasses inside leaking out of the weapon breech. As long as the case can still function reliably, lighter is better.

As it happens, brass is a very special material. When it is worked it becomes very hard, but when annealed by heat it becomes soft and ductile. That is just what a cartridge case needs—a material that is hard where the primer is installed and the case is extracted, but soft to hold and then release the bullet. The Nammo/MAC polymer case incorporates a conventional hardened brass head with a polymer case body that seals the high pressures and grips the projectile.

Currently, special units and the U.S. Marine Corps have procured .50 caliber MAC polymer, lightweight-cased cartridges, and the U.S. Army is working on 7.62mm cases. The concept has been demonstrated for 5.56mm, intermediate calibers, .300 Blackout and even some medium caliber (30mmx173) ammunition.

In addition to the weight lost in the case, Nammo has developed a lightweight .50-caliber polymer disintegrating link to replace the M9 steel/phosphate-coated link. The lightweight link reduces the system weight by around 6.5 percent, reduces loads (due to weight) on the weapon and eliminates weapon wear caused by the steel-to-steel scratches. Bonus: a polymer link does not ever rust like a steel M9 link does once the phosphate coating is compromised.

Reduced Signature Ammunition

Nammo is a leader in reduced signature ammunition and has developed dim tracer, or IR (infrared) tracer, in all NATO calibers. Dim tracers are only seen through night vision devices (NVDs), a technology that was perfect for the asymmetric warfare of the last two decades. We could see them, but they could not see us. IR tracers are also excellent for use by gunners behind .50 caliber machine guns at night, since normal tracers can blind gunners using NVDs.

To help maintain the advantage, Nammo has been involved with the U.S. Army in developing One-Way Luminescence (“OWL”) tracers that trace in the visible spectrum but limit the angle at which the tracer can be seen—meaning from behind or side. This technology, when perfected, will allow friendly troops to see where the tracers go but will not allow the enemy to see where the rounds came from—even if they are a near-peer adversary with NVDs.

Similarly, Nammo has been involved in work to eliminate “muzzle flash” for tracers. Muzzle flash is the bright light caused by burning material outside of the gun barrel after the bullet exits the muzzle end of the weapon. Such flashes make it very easy for the enemy to see the shooter’s location. The flash can be created by the way smokeless powder burns and creates oxygen-starved intermediate combustion products. Those hot intermediate products ignite when the oxygen in the air becomes available outside of the barrel. Most of this kind of flash has been eliminated by improved propellants that burn more completely inside the weapon. An additional source of flash, though, is due to a small amount of tracer material that is broken off of the bullet before it leaves the barrel. The bullet experiences high shock loads, high gas pressure and violent burning on its surface which can cause small chunks to break off. Nammo has improved the tracer manufacturing process to eliminate the flashes so that now machine gunners who are otherwise hidden are virtually invisible.

Specialty Ammunition

It is fitting that the first ammunition product produced by any of Nammo’s current factories was percussion caps, starting as early as 1828 in Germany. Replacing the venerable flintlocks, percussion cap rifles gave a significant advantage on the battlefield through dramatically improved reliability in all weather conditions. While technology certainly has changed since then, Nammo’s mission remains the same—to provide a reliable advantage to the U.S. and its allies by delivering advanced specialty ammunition and tools essential to properly train the modern warfighter, today, tomorrow and in the future.

Israel Defense and HLS Expo is the country’s largest biennial defense show that is held at the Tel Aviv Expo International Center. The show features both indigenous Israeli and foreign defense companies with booths for both in a main convention hall. This year’s emphasis was centered on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and counter-UAV technology as the increasing use of drones in warfare continues to advance at a breakneck pace. Apart from UAVs, there were certainly a number of other companies that displayed the latest and greatest this year as well.

Mounting Systems

Flex Force Enterprises Inc. displayed its ASP RWS mount for the MK-93 tripod, currently in use with the U.S. Navy. Displayed in the booth was a .50 BMG M2 machine gun affixed to the system, but other machine guns can be easily emplaced in the system as per customer request. The purpose of the mount is to have a gyro-synchronized heavy machine gun stabilization system while also offering the capability of a remote-controlled weapon station with the addition of a user-operated remote-control panel. This allows machine gunners to have a much more accurate system while operating in arduous environments such as shooting from a boat at sea or the turret of a vehicle while on bumpy roads. But units that want to employ an RC system will have this option as well.

Rifles

Israeli Weapons Industries (IWI) released the company’s new 5.56x45mm NATO Carmel rifle within the last year. It was on display at IWI’s booth where it took many an onlooker’s attention. The rifle appears to be designed for export sales as the IDF is still actively using Tavor X95 and M4-patterned carbines. Similar to the Tavor and Masada firearms, Carmel is named after a mountain in Israel. The rifle is a short-stroke piston, gas-operated, select-fire design that uses STANAG magazines and is equipped with a folding stock. Currently there are no plans to import it into the United States for sale on the civilian commercial market, but judging from previous IWI designs, this will most likely be a matter of time and is in the works with the ATF for importation approval.

Optics

Counter-UAV applications being of particular importance during the show, the Israeli start-up company Smart Shooter, Ltd. was showing off its SMASH optic that it has been working on for several years. Both an optic and a fire control system, once mounted to a rifle and zeroed, the system allows a single shooter to lock-on to a moving or stationary target with the press of an external button mounted on the handguard. Once locked, the SMASH system blocks the trigger from being pressed until the system computes a ballistic solution that matches the trajectory and velocity of the bullet. When this is achieved within the system, the user can then press the trigger and the rifle will fire. Although initially debuted for infantry targets, the SMASH system has been successfully used to shoot down commercial drones with single shots up to ranges of 200 meters while undergoing tests in the United States.

Steiner Optics is entering the digital age with the company’s 4-28x56mm M7Xi IFS precision rifle optic. The scope has an embedded computer that surrounded the focus lens and is run by a single AA battery. This device is connected and customizable through an app that can be downloaded to a tablet or smartphone. Peering through the scope, a user can use the external buttons for such inputs as wind speed and range. These are then computed into the display, and suggestions are given to the user as to how to dial the elevation and windage turrets in order to make a ballistic calculation. The app also allows users to input previous shooting data from different ammunition loads that a shooter might have access to, thus allowing a wide range of preset options to be used in the field.

Handguns

Introduced along with the Carmel is the 9x19mm Masada, Israel’s first mass-produced, polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun that should be coming to the U.S. commercial market soon. On display at the show were a wide variety of finishes and configurations to include an optic-ready variant and a simplified rear combat sight variant.

Representatives from Fobus Holster were present with a new Inside the Waistband (IWB) holster called the APN. There are currently three models on the market so far, the APN26 for the Glock 26 and 27, APN43 for the Glock 43 and the APN365 for the SIG SAUER P365 handgun. The holster is uni-directional as it can be switched for left- or right-hand use within minutes.

Israeli start-up Recover Tactical had on hand a number of its polymer add-on components designed for a variety of handguns. But of particular interest was their Browning/FN Hi Power pistol grip panel, incorporated Picatinny rail upgrade system. Unfortunately, this wasn’t at the show table, but the company has completed testing and will soon be ready to ship in the United States.

Wearable Equipment

Aleppo Systems International has been working on a backpack belt ammunition system that is currently in trials with a number of IDF units. What makes the backpack unique is the use of advanced polymers for the feed chute where belts of 5.56x45mm ammunition are fed through from the backpack itself to the gunner in the front. This frees up room to maneuver with the light machine gun, in addition to having a continuous feed system without having to reload. The system can also be configured to be placed in a vehicle where the machine gun might be mounted in a turret.

TrekAce is a new company with a vision of changing the way infantrymen navigate on the battlefield. The concept is to wear a forearm-mounted wrap that communicates with a user via a set of vibrating pins that a soldier can tactilely feel on his skin. Arranged in a star-like pattern, these pins will vibrate in directions so that a soldier can “feel” his way across a battlefield. The idea is to allow soldiers to focus more on their surroundings and be situationally aware, instead of being channeled into a GPS device or compass, possibly being led astray. One extremely innovative plan that the company is testing is whether the device can be used to navigate soldiers on high altitude jumps where they need to be completely aware of the terrain below them and what is in the sky around them, but also need to make pinpoint landings in their LZ, even in complete darkness.

Although quietly displayed, Israeli company Source Tactical (known for their hydration systems) showed its FORTEX Protective System combat uniform at its booth. Company representatives were tight-lipped about it due to its current competition with the British MoD for a future combat uniform, but we should be seeing more about it in the future. The uniform incorporates such features as ballistic fabric sewn into the upper part of the blouse, air vents at the armpits, forearms, an optional “beltless” waist system and cargo pockets that can be accessed while sitting in cramped vehicles, in addition to many more innovative features.

Since World War II submachine guns or subcompact guns fell out of use in the U.S. Army in the subsequent decades; however, NATO allies continued to use submachine gun designs. “Sub guns” have long been used by special operations forces such as the Navy SEALs for close-quarters battle shooting scenarios. Now, the U.S. Army has decided to use subcompact guns once again.

This article presents the six sub guns that were prequalified, submitted sub guns and the winner, plus some of the other initial weapons offerings for the program.

Response to the RFI

A Request for Information (RFI) was posted May 2, 2018, to obtain information and feedback from industry regarding Sub Compact Weapons (SCWs). The chosen SCW is destined for the service’s Personal Security Details (PSD) personnel tasked with protecting senior Army leaders or other principals.

PSDs originated in the Iraq War to protect command personnel who traveled in less than secure areas. The U.S. Army intends to buy up to 1,000 SCWs, but that number could be expanded to wider use throughout the Army. These systems will require a potential contractor to be able to supply all components for the SCWs to include the weapon and accessories. The government sought the following information for planning purposes only.

General Requirements

1. Delivery schedule of SCW to include but not limited to functional weapon, magazines, cleaning kits, suppressors, specialized tool kit (if required), spare parts, slings, carrying cases and manuals.
2. Ammunition for SCW—Compatibility with 9x19mm military grade will be required.
3. Sub Compact Weapon—The SCW will be a full-/semiautomatic selectable variant that has a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rail.

The RFI also mentions the capability to mount a suppressor.

More than a dozen companies sent their offerings, and the designs ranged from the classic Heckler & Koch (HK) MP5-style to the smaller M4-type guns chambered in 9mm.

10 Contenders

The U.S. Army awarded approximately $200,000 to 10 companies for evaluation weapons under the SCW program. Then a few weeks later, the service branch expanded the scope of the test and added three more submachine guns to the mix: the Angstadt Arms’ UDP-9, the HK UMP9 and the Noveske Sub Compact Weapon.

The companies awarded contracts were from the U.S. and Europe:

• Angstadt Arms for UDP-9
• Beretta USA for PMX SCW
• Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC for CM9MM-9H-M5A, Colt Modular 9mm SCW
• CMMG, Inc. for Ultra PDW SCW
• CZ-USA for Scorpion EVO 3 A1 submachine gun
• HK for UMP9
• Lewis Machine & Tool Company for MARS-L9 SCW
• Noveske for SCW
• Quarter Circle 10 LLC 5.5 CLT and 5.5 QV5 SCWs
• SIG SAUER Inc. for MPX SCW
• Trident Rifles LLC through B&T MP9 machine gun
• Zenith Firearms for Z-5RS, Z-5P and Z-5K SCWs.

The Weapons

Colt’s CM9MM-9H-M5A, CMMG’s Ultra PDW, LMT’s MARS-L9 SCW and Quarter Circle’s 5.5 CLT and 5.5 QV5 SCWs are based on so-called short-barrel AR-15 “pistols” using the AR-15/M16/M4 operating system, which could be an advantage compared to the others that are HK MP-5 submachine gun functioning. The U.S. Army has a handful of MP5 submachine guns in its inventory already. The others such as the SIG SAUER MPX, CZ Scorpion and MP9 are unique designs.

RFI Halt and the New Notice from Command

Then, in July, it appeared the program halted when the RFI was canceled after 13 submissions were received. In a few short weeks, a Notice was posted, modifying some of the requirements.

On July 26, 2018, the U.S. Army Contracting Command again was seeking proposals in regards to a Prototype Opportunity Notice SCW (PON) with the purpose to award up to six prototypes with the goal of delivering a quantity of 15 functional weapons. The ultimate objective of this program was to acquire a highly concealable SCW system capable of engaging threatening personnel with a high volume of lethal force while accurately firing at close range with minimal collateral damage. According to the PON for SCW, issued by the Army Contracting Command, “United States military operations take place worldwide and in all types of terrains as well as under every environmental condition. The Secretary of the Army and/or the Chief of Staff approves senior commanders and key personnel as High Risk Personnel (HRP). HRPs are authorized a Personal Security Detail (PSD), which are assigned to guard against outlined threats. To address this operational need, PSD military personnel require weapons with greater lethality than pistols that are more concealable than rifles. The ultimate objective of this program is to acquire a highly concealable Sub Compact Weapon (SCW) system capable of engaging threat personnel with a high volume of lethal force while accurately firing at close range with minimal collateral damage.”

The SCW system for this prototype OTA has the following Go/No-Go requirements and desired goals through the prototype testing phase as outlined in the following Attachment 2—SCW Test Plan Outline:

Capability Go/No-Go Requirements

Compatibility—Capable of attaching accessories/enablers.

Ammunition—9mm (9x19mm North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and qualified Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) commercial ammunition). Must perform optimally with 147 grain 9mm ammunition. Must be able to fire marking/training round.

Firing Mode—Semi- and full-automatic selectable.

Ambidextrous Controls—All controls on both sides of weapon.

Safety—External safety control that prohibits firing.

Magazine Capacity—Shall include 20-round and 30-round magazines.

Magazine Loading—Magazines shall load from the bottom of the weapon and forward from the trigger.

Weapon Color—Entire exterior surface of the weapon system to include all components shall be non-reflective black.

Weapon Length Without Suppressor—Weapon shall be less than 15 inches overall in collapsed position.

Weight—Weapon Only, Unloaded with Slings—Weapon shall be less than 7 pounds.

Buttstock—Telescopically collapsible.

Barrel Length Without Suppressor—Shall be no longer than 5.5 inches.

According to the above requirements, the Sub Compact Weapon shall be a small and concealable 9mm. The buttstock shall be telescopically collapsible, not foldable. The SCW system for this prototype OTA has other desired goals which are part of the prototype testing as these factors: Rough Handling, Accuracy/Dispersion, Acoustic, Rate of Fire, Reliability, High Temperature, Low Temperature, Recoil, Toxic Fumes and User Evaluation—Soldier Touchpoint (Weapon Comfort, Controllability, Concealability, Maintainability, Recoil, Trigger, Ease of Magazine Change, Sight-Ability and Access to Controls during a series of operationally realistic engagements).

U.S. Army Selects 6 Companies for Sub Compact Weapon Prototype Opportunity

Posted September 24, 2018, U.S. Army Contracting Command, on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Weapons, announced it has awarded contracts to the following companies to provide 9mm Sub Compact Weapon prototypes: Angstadt Arms, B&T USA, Global Ordnance, Shield Arms, SIG SAUER and Trident Rifles (Trident Rifles submits weapon from Swiss B&T AG along with B&T USA).

Details on specific models/specifications have not been made public due to confidentiality. Global Ordnance currently offers also a semiautomatic pistol version for the U.S. Commercial market and so do the other companies mentioned here.

9x19mm SCW-9 Submachine Gun, Angstadt Arms

The SCW-9 is designed to meet the strict requirements of the U.S. Army Sub Compact Weapon Program. When the last round is fired, the bolt is held open. The lower and upper receivers are made of 7075-T6 billet aluminum. The size and weight allows the gun to be ultra-concealable. The single rail on the SCW stock is positioned alongside the upper receiver. This provides added clearance above the safety selector switch resulting in faster manipulation and safer use.

Specifications

• Semi-firing mode (data here for pistol version).
• Rear charger, ambidextrous safety/fire mode selector
• 20- and 30-round magazines.
• The magwell is flared for faster reloads and GLOCK 9mm magazines can be used.
• Non-reflective black color.
• The overall weapon length is 14.7 inches collapsed.
• Weight 4 pounds—weapon only, unloaded with slings.
• The buttstock can be opened without pressing a button by just grabbing the stock and pulling back. The collapsed stock length is 2.5 inches.
• The 4-inch barrel length without suppressor has a 3-lug adapter for sound suppression.

Source: angstadtarms.com/scw9

9x19mm Stribog AP9 A3S, Global Ordnance

All fire controls except the charging handle are in the same location as an M4. The Stribog uses a forward non-reciprocating charging handle. This allows the (operator) to maintain sight picture with the firing hand on the pistol grip when charging the weapon. It has a lower and upper Picatinny rail.

Specifications

• Semi- and full-auto firing mode.
• All controls are fully ambidextrous.
• Three position safety, safe, single-shot, full-auto firing mode.
• 20- and 30-round magazines.
• Magazine loads in front of trigger housing.
• Black weapon color.
• Weapon length without suppressor: 13 1/8 inches.
• Weight 5.63 pounds—weapon only, unloaded with sling.
• Telescoping steel buttstock, locks in open and closed position.
• 4 5/8-inch barrel length without suppressor.

Source: Global Ordnance

9x19mm SA-9, Shield Arms

SA-9 is a closed-bolt, blowback-operated AR-15-style submachine gun compatible to GLOCK.

Specifications

• Safe, semi and full-auto firing mode.
• Ambidextrous controls.
• Manual safety.
• 20- and 30-round magazines.
• Magazine loads in front of trigger housing.
• Non-reflective black color, per the SCW requirements.
• Weight 5.5 pounds–weapon only, unloaded with sling.
• Barrel length 5.5 inches without suppressor.

Source: Shield Arms

9x19mm MPX K, SIG SAUER

The operating system is a short-stroke gas piston system with fully closed and locked rotating bolt system, which provides maximum safety in case of bullet or water obstruction in the bore. It has operator lever changeover and stock configuration (5-position telescopic or folding). With AR-style ambidextrous controls and a rear charging handle that does not interfere with rail-mounted accessories, it will be familiar to the soldiers. The top rail is full-length, and the barrel is suppressor-ready.

Specifications

• Select fire (safe, semi, full-auto).
• AR-style ambidextrous selector and magazine release.
• 30-round capacity.
• 114mm/4.5-inch barrel.
• Aluminum M-LOK handguard.
• Telescoping/folding 5-position stock.
• Barrel length 4.5 inches.

Source: sigsauer.com, 2018 catalogue

9x19mm APC9 (B&T), Trident Rifles

The APC9’s operating system is a closed-bolt blowback system. The APC9 is first choice, not only for normal police duty but also for SWAT units. The APC9’s primary sighting system is the Aimpoint Micro TL on a Picatinny rail. The upper receiver has integrated flip-up backup sights.

Specifications

• Semi- and full-automatic firing mode, rate of fire 1,080 rounds.
• Ambidextrous safety/fire mode selector. Interchangeable charging handle.
• 15-, 20-, 25- and 30-round magazines.
• Magazine loads from the bottom of the weapon and forward from the trigger.
• Non-reflective black color.
• Weapon Length 15 inches overall in collapsed position without suppressor.
• Weapon weight 6 pounds (including Aimpoint and 30-round magazine).
• Telescopic buttstock; also available are foldable, folding and helmet stock for visored officers.
• 7-inch barrel length without suppressor.

Source: B&T Webshop at bt-ag.ch

The Winning Sub Gun

On March 29, 2019, the U.S Army chose B&T USA’s APC9K for its New Sub Compact Weapon. The Sub Compact Weapon Production-Other Transaction Agreement (P-OTA) is awarded based upon successful completion of the prototype project proposed by B&T USA in response to Sub Compact Weapon (SCW) Prototype Opportunity Notice: W15QKN-18-R-032M, evaluation of testing results and subsequent updated proposal request letter for Follow-on Production Award. The purpose of the P-OTA is to purchase 350 SCWs ($2.5 million), with an option for additional quantities of up to 1,000 SCWs, with slings, manuals, accessories and spare parts to replace the MP5. Beyond what information the Army already has released, B&T USA told this author that they could not tell what exact configuration the weapon has, due to restriction of the contract rules. That’s understandable due to confidentiality.

The APC9K is the next leap in the evolution of the already-proven APC9 Family. With the ambidextrous, non-reciprocating charging handles and its other advanced features, one can conclude that the APC9K has satisfied the Go/No-Go requirements and desired goals through the prototype testing phase as a highly concealable Sub Compact Weapon system.

There are several companies that offer mobility platforms upon which manipulators are mounted or are gun platforms. Most of them are semi-autonomous and fully controlled or driven by people. Full autonomy requires very sophisticated AI and accompanying sensor suites; there are robots currently being developed to aid soldiers (see Small Arms Defense Journal, Paul Evancoe, “The Warfare Renaissance,” Vol. 11, No. 4). Current mobile gun platforms are not true fully autonomous robots capable of hands-off weapons operation for field use; though they are in the R&D stage. That said, there are airborne and seaborne drones that are fully autonomous, and some of these carry a weapons suit. Why? Aircraft and ships generally travel in straight lines and don’t have the complex terrain and obstacle navigation issues land vehicles encounter. The so-called robotic platforms one sees at gun shows are not truly robots; they’re man-driven/guided “dumb” platforms that are weathered to a controller either by RF or wire.

While there is no AI-controlled/fully autonomous small arms platform available, here are a couple samples of human-guided platforms that may pave the way toward autonomous robotic weaponry.

FN HERSTAL AND MILREM ROBOTICS

deFNder® Medium Remote Weapon Station

The THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) equipped with the deFNder® Medium Remote Weapon Station was deployed by Milrem Robotics and FN Herstal in Estonia during Spring Storm 2019, the country´s biggest annual military exercise held from April 29 through to May 17, 2019.

The UGV carrying a .50 caliber (12.7mm) heavy machine gun was being used by soldiers from the Kuperjanov Infantry Battalion who were faced with a variety of different battlefield scenarios, which included defensive and offensive actions. Combat missions were simulated and carried out in rural as well as urban areas.

This is the second time that FN Herstal and Milrem Robotics deployed their joint solution during the Spring Storm exercise in a continuous effort to perfect the force multiplier UGV for end-users.

“We are proud to maintain our partnership with Milrem Robotics by deploying our latest developments in realistic field conditions”, said Igor Klapka, VP Systems for FN Herstal. “For the first time, we are showcasing new ways to control the deFNder® Remote Weapon Station: the operator being mobile with the troops and commanding the weapon thanks to a portable controller and observing via a screen or through display goggles. As always, and more than ever, the human stays in-the-loop.”

“The deployment of the THeMIS UGV at Spring Storm greatly enhanced our combat effectiveness by adding mobility, increasing the effectiveness of combat service support and reducing soldier fatigue. Furthermore, using the UGV as a force multiplier with FN Herstal’s weapon system increased the effectiveness of battleground firepower,” stated Lt. Lauri Tõnisson from Kuperjanov infantry battalion.

Spring Storm is an annual military exercise conducted with about 10,000 members of the Estonian Defence Forces (EDF), NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup, and a variety of other allied units. The military personnel of Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Great Britain, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the United States of America, Ukraine and Estonia participated in this year’s exercise.

fnherstal.com / milremrobotics.com

QINETIQ

MAARS (Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System)

Powerful, modular and combat-ready, the Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System (MAARS®) is an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) designed specifically for reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) missions to increase the security of personnel manning forward locations. MAARS keeps soldiers at a safe distance from enemy fire while effectively executing security missions such as ambushes, hostage rescue, forced entry, booby-trapped areas, detainee riots, site security and IED. Remote placement of RSTA sensors into critical locations can be made up to several kilometers away, signaling threats and enabling an immediate response if required.

Equipped with multiple safety features, MAARS is operational only when receiving coded instructions from its operator. MAARS offers multiple options for the escalation of force when required by the Rules of Engagement (ROE)—from non-lethal lasers dazzlers and audio deterrents to less-than-lethal grenades, to lethal fires from a grenade launcher or machine gun.

qinetiq.com

The Concept

Two Soviet engineers, V. Krasnikov and P. Serdyukov, began work on this concept as early as the 1970s at the TsNIITochMash, a special weapons development plant outside of Moscow working on the cutting edge to this day. Despite starting work on these special applications weapon a decade prior, it was not until 1983 that the design took concrete form and could begin constructive development. The working name was Vintorez, which translates to “The Threadcutter.” For ideal suppression, the design used an intermediate caliber with optimal subsonic characteristics. The first experimental chambering in the 1970s was in 7.62 “УС” (meaning reduced speed).

By the mid-1980s, Soviet authorities demanded that the project be able to defeat the rising trend of individual body armor, something for which the 7.62 chambering was not up to task. Per the technical requirement issued by the Kremlin, the round was required to penetrate Soviet-class 3 body armor at a range of 400 meters. Shortly thereafter, TsNIITochMash’s Specialized Ammunition Plant started converting the widely known M43 casing (7.62×39) and necking up to 9mm, to increase the projectile’s ballistic coefficient at subsonic speeds. The increased mass of the projectile aids’ stabilization in subsonic flight. The new cartridge achieved a muzzle velocity of roughly 920 to 960 feet per second from almost an 8-inch barrel. The project was led by engineers N. Zabelin, L. Dvoryaninova and Y. Frolov. Their resulting 9×39 cartridge had sufficient subsonic performance for special-purpose, silenced firearms with intermediate range and with improved penetration capable of defeating personal body armor.

The 9×39 cartridge has two primary variants—the SP-5 and SP-6 (“SP” standing for “Special Cartridge” in Russian). The SP-6 projectile, for example, is rated to defeat GOST (State Standard) Class 3 armor, which is a Russian armor class that falls between NIJ Level IIIA and Level III. These levels are rated to stop the domestic M43 7.62×39 and 7N6 5.45×39 rounds.

In 1987, the Vintorez project was designated the “VSS” (Vintovka Snaiperskaya Spetsialnaya or Special Sniper Rifle). Serial production of the VSS began at the well-known Tula Arms Plant (TOZ). Interestingly, the Vintorez was tested in the United States in 1997 with an invitation by the U.S. government to the TsNIITochMash company to test out their products before tensions rose once again between the two countries. The weapon’s effectiveness was demonstrated in numerous actions, including both Chechen wars, the Georgia Conflict and in the ongoing wars in Eastern Ukraine and Syria; each time, bringing the U.S. intelligence community’s renewed interest in studying the weapon’s performance in new environments and applications. The VSS and the other 9×39 weapons show a significant threat with their ammunition capability and performance.

The Construction

The VSS is an integrally suppressed, gas-operated, select-fire rifle. It operates with a long-stroke gas piston, the bolt has 6 locking lugs and is striker-fired with a floating hammer and features. The rifle features a cross-lever fire selector located behind the trigger. The weapon has a right-handed fixed charging handle and an AK-style safety. As the weapon is integrally suppressed, the barrel is ported in the spiraling rifle grooves in six rows of nine ports spiraling along the rifling grooves. The barrel extends to 12cm long, and the porting consists of six rows of nine holes spiraling along the rifling grooves. The twist rate is 1:8.3 inches. Each port is approximately 2mm in diameter. These ports further reduce velocity before the projectile enters the suppressor baffles, producing a muzzle velocity of 920 to 960 feet per second.

Overall, the design is exceptionally simple. The weapon can also be disassembled into a very compact unit with the stock and suppressor removed. Dismounting the suppressor from the firearm is done by depressing a small button latch on the front of the firearm’s frame. This reveals the ported portion of the barrel. The iron sights are attached to the suppressor itself.

The suppressor construction is a simple bent and angled, flat-face, oval-washer-type baffle stack made from spot-welded sheet metal. In total, there are three baffles. The sights are attached to the suppressor cover. The rifle is fed typically from a 10-round magazine but may run off the AS VAL 20-round magazine and even the newer 30-round magazine. A left-side AK-type optics rail allows for the mounting of the Russian PSO-1-1 or newer PSO-1M2-1 sniper scope, both of which are calibrated for 9×39. It also can use night sights or collimator sights.

The Vintorez is lightweight, just under 6 pounds and comparable to the AKS-74U in weight. The receiver is very low-profile due to the striker-fired design, allowing for a reduced overall height. Like the AKS-74U, the weapon is well-balanced, easy to manipulate and reportedly accurate for a designated marksman rifle. The newest VSS iteration is the VSSM, which incorporates an M1913 railed dust cover and includes M1913 rails onto the bottom and both sides of the suppressor. It also features an adjustable stock. These features bolster the weapon’s modularity, providing force multipliers to the designated marksmanship role, such as infrared lasers and illumination for night operations. These recent additions ensure that the VSS Vintorez will be a Russian hallmark on the modern battlefield for decades to come.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Philip H. Dater and Dan Shea did extensive testing and analysis of the 9×39 and the VSS in the 2007-2009 era and presented the information in SADJ and SAR. That information is on our website.

Tucked away in the opening plains where the Caucasus Mountains finally meet the sprawling, almost infinite, flat landmass of Eurasia, the city of Gudermes stands in an alcove of Russia just shy of the Caspian Sea. Here, oil, sturgeon and centuries of bad blood transit eternally from East to West, and threats old and new persist in an uneasy lull. Here is where the current head of the autonomous Chechen Republic in Russia, Ramzan Kadyrov, built the Russian University of Spetsnaz, also known as the University of Special Forces, in a complex 22 miles east of Grozny. Grozny is the capital of this little republic, and as its name implies (formidable, menacing, threatening), it is a focal point of Russian state security and intelligence services and requires the attention of some the most proficient operators in the world. Ramzan’s father, Akhmad Kadyrov, the previous head of the Republic selected by Vladimir Putin to bring stability to the region after two wars, was assassinated in 2004 during a memorial parade in this city. The Kadyrov family knows firsthand the need for special training to maintain security.

The university Dean, Daniil Martynov, also serves as the deputy head of the Russian National Guard in Chechnya. Daniil Martynov served in the counter-terrorist unit of Federal State Security (FSB), known as A Detachment or Alfa Group. Martynov was formerly attached to FSB’s prestigious Centre for Special Operations, located near Moscow, until 2005. While with Alfa, he was deployed to Chechnya following the Second Chechen War.

The university acts as part classroom and part training site, bringing modern war-fighting tactics and scenarios to Russian military and law enforcement agencies. Classes include training for the personal protection detail of the Chechen head of state and SOBR (Special Rapid Response Unit) currently under the authority of the Russian National Guard. Some reports suggest that National Guard units train at the university to sharpen their skills prior to deployment to Syria.

The complex houses different specialty training areas, including urban, claustrophobic built-up cityscapes. Chechnya learned through their conflicts (1994-1996 and 1999-2000—counter insurgency operations lasting until 2009) the need to train in urban environments. The UN named Grozny the most destroyed city on earth during the wars. Modern urban warfare takes many forms and negates technical advantages one side may have. Movement and visibility are often limited. Clear lines of fire and proper identification melt away. Today, conflict in Chechnya and bordering regions is mostly made up of low-scale surgical strikes against radical Islamic terrorist organizations, relying heavily on special forces for which this university was founded.

Touring the University

I was lucky enough to visit this site, and to my knowledge, I was one of very few Westerners to visit in December 2018. I traveled across the globe to this Republic, which had very little in common with my home. Arriving in Grozny on a cold afternoon, I was directed to a black SUV for a drive to my housing arrangements. The next morning, the same crew collected me for transport to the special forces university. Touring the complex, I could see the urban combat training grounds. It was clear they had a number of structures reminiscent of previous combat operations conducted by Russian forces throughout history. Structures had multiple levels, subterranean spaces, underground crosswalks, over-road bridges, basements, classic Communist Bloc apartment towers and concrete brick upon concrete brick. The apartment bloc had an open-floor model on one floor, so that the walls may be moved to practice a specific layout. Three brick houses reminiscent of local 1950s and 1960s construction stood nearby. Another interesting observation was the incorporation of tunnels between buildings and spider holes between rooms. The instructor pointed out that the highest multilevel structure had the Mil Mi-8 Hip military transport helicopter mounted upon the roof’s edge. This allowed students to replicate fast roping prior to training off of a functional rotary wing aircraft. The rooms of the urban environment have cameras to observe the progress of the students and to allow the control room to modify the environment. I observed a SOBR group of the National Guard conduct room clearing and shield entry training, launching from outdoor shooting bays.

The university was founded by a private company and hosts domestic and foreign military customers to use the complex in a vast array of modern war-fighting scenarios. Highly skilled senior officers from the Russian military, police and National Guard with experience serving in tactical groups within Alfa, Vympel, the GRU and SOBR oversee the course programs and offer a wide spectrum of field experience. They were quick to show their proficiency and professionalism during my visit. There were 38 instructors at the time of my visit, though the program is seeking 70 instructors to keep unit class sizes small. On average, classes have up to 12 students, with six students per instructor.

New Training Developments

The university is currently constructing a maritime training area, complete with a concrete-contained lake upon which a ship will be placed for maritime, air assault, insertion and extraction training. Getting in and out quickly is critical for special operations that are launched from the land, sea and air, and this training zone will give broader training capabilities to the campus. Other specialty training areas include wooded and mountainous terrain near the facility; a deactivated airliner is also planned for training in hijacking scenarios. Off-site, students can practice on stationary or moving trains. The main building houses classrooms, bedrooms, a gym, a running track, an indoor shooting range and a pool designed for underwater shooting. The university is constructing a 1600m runway and several helipads. In the future, the university will have its own air traffic control tower and serve as its own airport for airborne operations. Three hangers will be built to house the aircraft and conduct maintenance.

The campus has a complete buggy fabrication shop, housed in three buildings. The in-house fabrication team modifies and repairs the Chaborz M-3 and the adaptable M-6 fast tactical light combat buggies, which can be rapidly configured for different operational requirements. The Russian Ministry of Defense has shown interest in acquiring these vehicles for the Russian Armed Forces, and they have already been deployed to the Arctic as well as to combat operations in Syria.

In the center of the campus, across from the main building, is the largest free-fall wind tunnel complex in Russia. At 5 meters wide, the tower and adjacent schoolhouse make up the largest parachute training center in Russia. The jump school on site is called DZ Grozny. The airborne school houses classrooms, packing/rigging rooms, shops, a cafe, a hotel with 63 rooms, saunas and a control room.

Offered Courses and Instruction

The university also provides courses on combat lifesaving and advanced first aid, as well as on explosives, demolition, tactical driving, dog handling and countless others.

The backbone of instruction is experience in combat and service with Russian special forces; however, the university seeks to implement a forward-looking methodical approach to instruction, taking the latest techniques on biomechanics and warfighting. Once construction is complete, the university will accommodate a total of 500 people at a time. Officers hope it will be the Chechen version of the U.S. JFK Special Warfare Center and will provide comparable excellence in training for Russian security and law enforcement entities.

The answer is neither complicated nor abstract, but it is an amalgam. It involves the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), United States law and several long-standing Department of Defense (DoD) Policy directives. And, all of these require U.S. forces to be interoperable with NATO coalition members. Perhaps a quick review of how we got here might be helpful.

Achieving Objectives

Consisting of 29 nations today, the NATO Alliance was founded in 1949 to counter the threat of Soviet invasion of Europe. Its focus was to stop a Soviet-armored advance across the European plains through combined retaliation from all 29 NATO member states. But getting 29 allied states to act coherently and effectively together to achieve tactical, operational and strategic objectives requires interoperability across numerous warfighting capacities, not simply small arms in the hands of determined soldiers.

Interoperability means forces and their warfighting systems must all mesh so they can operate together. In turn, this permits them to share common warfighting doctrines and procedures, each other’s infrastructures and bases and communicate using conjoint hardware and software. Interoperability reduces duplication by adding redundancy. Duplication, unto itself, always results in added cost, weight and convolution. Interoperability requires the pooling of resources, common training and leverages synergies between allied states. This, by all definitions, provides NATO a force multiplier and the robust military might necessary to defeat any adversary.

On the other hand, NATO interoperability does not necessarily require that member states purchase and use common brand military weapons and equipment. Rather, NATO places its importance on weapons that can fire common ammunition (more on this point in a moment), on forces and equipment that can share common facilities and on communications that can connect, interact and exchange data across the alliance. Recent NATO initiatives like “Smart Defense” and “Connected Forces” reflect NATO’s quest for interoperability and common connectivity.

Interoperability Required by Law

As previously stated, NATO interoperability is required under U.S. law, formal regulations and policy. For the Unites States, the Defense Cataloging & Standardization Act, Title 10, U.S. Code Chapter 145, Section 2451-2457 (Approved July 1, 1952) is the foundation. This law established a single, unified standardization program in the DoD. It requires standardization of items used throughout the DoD to the highest degree practicable and requires standardization and interoperability of equipment with North Atlantic Treaty Organization members and other U.S. allies.

Additional applicable U.S. law, regulations and DoD policy documents directing NATO interoperability are: Public Law 104-113, National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, March 7, 1996; OMB Circular A-119, Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities; Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) paragraph 11.101(b) on Order of Precedence for Requirements Documents; CJCSI 2700.01, March 18, 2015,”Rationalization, Standardization, and Interoperability (RSI) Activities;” and DoDI 2010.06, July 29, 2009, “Materiel Interoperability and Standardization with Allies and Coalition Partners.”

Therefore, it is U.S. law and long-established policy that equipment procured for U.S. Forces employed in Europe under the terms of the NATO treaty be standardized and interoperable with equipment of other NATO members. Our policy further requires standardization of items and practices used throughout the DoD. Thus, interoperability between U.S. forces and coalition partners is permanent defense acquisition policy. Cost notwithstanding, this is why NATO dominantly plays into incorporating new small arms and ammunition into the U.S. inventory.

It Begins with Ammunition

Once all the law and policy documents are distilled, interoperability begins with ammunition. There are four approved NATO rounds: 9x19mm Parabellum, 5.56x45mm, 7.62x51mm and 12.7x99mm (.50 BMG), and none of these are commercial off-the-shelf ammunition. NATO ammunition performance is not measured the same as sporting ammunition. NATO ammunition must pass EPVAT testing. EPVAT stands for “Electronic Pressure Velocity and Action Time.” Action Time (in this context) means the (amount of) time required between the ignition of the primer and the projectile leaving the barrel. This is a comprehensive procedure for testing ammunition using state-of-the-art instruments and computers. The procedure, should you be interested, is described in NATO document AC/225 (Com. III/SC.1)D/200.

Unlike the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute’s (SAAMI) testing procedures used for the commercially available sporting ammunition market that primarily focuses on the shooter’s safety, NATO ammunition testing procedures not only includes the soldier’s safety but also a comprehensive functional quality testing in relation with the intended application (rifle, pistol, machine gun) and the capacity to incapacitate the enemy. As a result, every NATO ammunition order requires a complete acceptance testing and approval for both safety and functionality. This testing is performed by both NATO and the relevant ammunition manufacturers in a contradictory fashion. In order to accomplish this testing, a highly accurate and indisputable protocol has been defined by NATO experts using a system of reference cartridges.

The NATO reference cartridges system requires NATO’s ammunition manufacturers, under NATO’s watchful eye, to identify and set aside a batch (also termed “lot”) of ammunition they consider to be “of very good quality and representative of ammunition that should be delivered to the armies in the following years.” This batch is maintained at approved NATO test centers and distributed to the manufacturers involved as a test baseline. When a new batch (lot) of NATO ammunition is delivered, a set of 20 reference cartridges are fired, and this data baseline is compared to the performance of the new ammunition.

Each weapon and component considered vulnerable to the effects of a rapid change in pressure (for example, barrels, breech blocks and bolts) are tested by firing one dry round at a corrected minimum of 25% over pressure and one oiled round at a corrected minimum of 25% over pressure. Twenty-five percent over pressure means 25% in excess of the Service Pressure (P_max). The Service Pressure is defined as the mean pressure generated by the Service Cartridge at a temperature of 21°C (70°F). This high pressure proofing is conducted with both the weapon and ammunition conditioned to an ambient temperature of 21°C (70°F).

Since NATO test centers only deal with the four (caliber) chamberings in military use, NATO EPVAT uses technically more stringent and different proof test standards than SAAMI and C.I.P. (with headquarters in Brussels, C.I.P. is the European equivalent of SAAMI and stands for Commission Internationale Permanente pour l’Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives). Therefore, EVPAT pressures cannot be directly compared with SAAMI and C.I.P. testing pressures. Correspondingly, SAAMI and C.I.P. proof houses test hundreds of different commercial (calibers) chamberings requiring a multitude of different test barrels and use less comprehensive test procedures than NATO.

Commercial and NATO Cartridges

With the above in mind, one might ask, for example, if the 7.62 NATO and the commercial .308 Winchester cartridges are the same thing. They are not identical, but they are similar enough that they can be loaded into rifles chambered for one another. The primary difference is that the commercially available .308 Winchester cartridges are typically loaded to higher pressures than 7.62 NATO cartridges. Even though SAAMI does not consider it unsafe to fire the commercial .308 round in weapons chambered for the NATO round, there is substantial debate about compatible chamber and muzzle pressures between the two cartridges. This debate is based on the differing powder loads and cartridge wall thicknesses of the NATO and commercial rounds. In the end, ATF recommends checking the firearm manufacturer’s stamping on the barrel that designates whether it’s designed for .308 or 7.62 NATO. The same is true for each of the other three NATO-approved rounds.

Why Only Four?

So how did NATO end up with only four approved cartridges—why not more? The short answer is that all 29 NATO nation members must unanimously approve any deletions or additions to the approved list. While it has been attempted, unanimous agreement to add additional rounds has proven impossible time and time again. There are politics involved that outplay performance and capability. Thus, the four approved NATO rounds will likely remain NATO legacy well into this century until replaced by caseless ammunition, man-portable directed energy weapons or something else soldier-carried not yet devised.

There is another huge motivation for NATO members to not deviate from the four approved calibers, and that is cost. As previously mentioned, as long as NATO members remain interoperable using the same ammunition, they can shoot it from any gun they wish. This means that many NATO members use assault rifles and machine guns they manufacture. The defense industry is big business, not just in the U.S., but in all nations that are capable of manufacturing military arms. These nations all use their own domestically manufactured military firearms.

In the case of the U.S. military, consider what it would mean to change the entire military’s assault rifle from the M16 (variants) to something different that shoots, say, 6.5mm Grendel (6.5x39mm), instead of the 5.56 NATO round. Let’s pretend that NATO approves and adds that round to the approved list. Let’s pretend that U.S. law and DoD policy are amended as well so this change can happen. Using the DoD as an example, here’s what the change would likely involve.

The entire U.S. defense force would need to be equipped with the new assault weapon. This means that all active-duty forces, reserve forces and National Guard would need new assault rifles. They would also require new machine guns / squad automatic weapons (light machine guns) that fire the 6.5 Grendel round. Our entire force would require training on the new weapons as would the armorers and the field and depot level maintainers. Stocks of 5.56 NATO ammo would need immediate replacement with the new 6.5 Grendel ammo.

Further, ample stocks of spare parts for all the new weapons would be required, and both these and the ammo would need to be immediately put into the DoD’s vast logistics supply system for worldwide supply to U.S. operating forces. As you might well conclude, this could only be accomplished with a major revamp of the logistics supply system; a problem of some immensity unto itself. How long might this change take? Years? And at what cost? And during the change, forces would obviously be using both 5.56 NATO and 6.5 Grendel along with the old and new weapons chambered for one or the other calibers exasperating an already stressed logistics supply system to get our troops exactly what they require.

The nightmare described above will also have to pass the litmus test of practicality. For example, if the 6.5 Grendel and its new assault rifle only provide, say, a 10% increase in reliability, lethality and hit probability over the M16-firing 5.56 NATO round, it would be a very hard sell (or a non-starter). While this may sound like a fictional scenario, it is a true reflection of budgeting and procurement reality. So, is a 10% increase in performance worth the trillion-dollar price tag? Most people would agree that it is not, and they would stick with the M16 and 5.56 NATO round.

Back to reality—since changing the NATO agreement, U.S. Law and engrained DoD policies requiring interoperability are, for all practical purposes, impossible (at least it is in this lifetime), the only workable and cost-effective option is to improve the existing ammunition, and that is exactly what NATO has done and continues to do. There are a multitude of NATO-approved 5.56 rounds available that offer heavier bullets with better weight-to-length profiles, more aerodynamic shapes (boat tails and ballistic points) and penetrator cores (light armor piercing), etc., etc.

Non-NATO Interoperable Weapons

NATO, law and policy restrictions do not apply to using non-NATO interoperable weapons and calibers for special purposes. SOCOM, for example, currently procures and uses special purpose weapons, and many of those weapons shoot exotic ammunition not available to other military units and definitely are not interoperable with conventional U.S. or NATO forces. But that is okay under the NATO agreement as well as U.S. law and policy; the key phrase being “special purpose use.”

Don’t Believe What You Read

So, the next time you read an article that announces the next best replacement assault rifle that shoots the next best ammunition that will replace the M16 and the 5.56 NATO round, remember that it won’t happen no matter how convincing it sounds. The rifle (bullet launcher) may change at great cost, but the ammunition it fires won’t without unanimous approval by all NATO members. Also, remember the overall replacement cost versus the improvement percentage in overall combat effectiveness is a major factor. If the delta isn’t overwhelmingly significant, it won’t be cost-effective, and it will fail.

Last, remember that most all of the articles about replacing one or more of the four NATO-approved rounds with something new and amazing is a product of shrewd advertising and defense industry promotion. The Program Executive Office–Soldier (PEO Soldier) is the DoD lead for soldier-carried weapons. PEO Soldier is always looking at new technology, but replacement of the military’s NATO interoperable calibers, or additions to them, is a non-starter.

The trend towards shrinking firearms into smaller and lighter packages is full steam ahead. The recently introduced SIG SAUER MPX Copperhead is a perfect example of this. The MPX Copperhead is a derivative within their MPX 9mm SMG product line. Similar to other weapons within the SIG SAUER catalogue, the MPX Copperhead was a response to a specific customer request. The MPX Copperhead was purposely built to be the smallest possible size for carry in a bag or in a vehicle weapon. This is reflected by the 3.5-inch barrel, allowing for an overall length of 14.5 inches! Its weight is a feathery 4.5 pounds. This is not a misprint.

Some would have you believe we have arrived at the end of the submachine gun (SMG) as a viable weapon class. They point to the SMG’s steady relegation to the sidelines in terms of use since the end of WWII. The first impetus of this path occurred with the rise of the assault rifle, characterized by controllable select-fire capability with its intermediary round compared to the full-powered main battle rifles of the early 20^th century. The appearance of Personal Defense Weapons (PDWs) seemed the final death knell of the SMG.

The PDW is characterized by its compact size, much like an SMG—centered on new cartridge designs facilitating the penetration of body armor out to a couple hundred yards. The PDWs search was stimulated when NATO had images of body-armored Spetsnaz troops running amok in rear echelon areas. The FN 5.7 and HK 4.6 are two of the more prominent examples of PDW cartridge types. Times and threats have changed, breathing new life back into the SMG genre. While certainly not comparable to a rifle cartridge, a 115- to 147- grain 9mm instills more confidence than a PDW’s 23-grain .22 caliber bullet (or smaller) when having to put down an opponent in close quarters.

Recent events illustrate what a dangerous world we inhabit with terrorist attacks growing in frequency. If a hostile situation is encountered, the civilian will most likely be defending himself with a handgun. A handgun is definitely not the optimum choice, especially when compared to a rifle. A handgun is a compromise between portability and performance. A compact concealed carry handgun is an even further compromise along this continuum, i.e., not your preferred full-size high-capacity blaster. A weapon like the braced SIG MPX Copperhead, which legally speaking is a handgun, concealed in a small discreet pack could very well be considered a force multiplier compared to a prototypical handgun.

The SMG’s most prominent role, indeed its raison d’être stretching back to the WWI trenches, is as a CQB weapon. The increase in terrorism, organized crime and drug smuggling with the resultant militarization of law enforcement teams to deal with these well-armed opponents has created a new need for the SMG type of weapon. Along these same lines civilians concerned and willing to take more responsibility for their own security can find a solution to their conundrum with a weapon like the MPX Copperhead. The SIG SAUER MPX Copperhead is poised to reassert SMG potency and viability.

The initial SIG SAUER MPX model was a much-heralded introduction at the 2013 SHOT Show. SIG’s goal with the MPX was to provide an updated replacement for aging submachine guns found worldwide. The MPX class, including the Copperhead, operates via a scaled-down, short-stroke gas piston adapted for use with pistol caliber cartridges. The use of a fully closed and locked rotating bolt is another enhancement. This sets the MPX apart from previous SMG designs which operated via blowback, recoil or roller-delayed methods. The SIG short-stroke gas piston allows the SIG MPX SMG series of weapons to run all weights and brands of 9mm ammunition with no adjustments to the gas valve. MPX operating controls and basic ergonomics are similar to the ever so prevalent AR-15; an important consideration for training/orientation purposes. An AR-like ambidextrous magazine and bolt release along with a centrally located non-reciprocating charging handle will be instantly familiar to any AR user. An AR M4 flat-top upper allows for any AR-type sighting system. This AR-centric theme is reinforced by using an AR-type fire control system.

Features

The distinguishing MPX Copperhead features are the 3.5-inch barrel with integrated brake, monolithic Elite Series Cerakote finish upper receiver with an integrated stock knuckle lower and new SIG SAUER Pivoting Contour Brace (PCB), meeting customer desire for more compactness. The PCB brace easily conforms to the movement of the shooter’s arm with a patented swivel operation for adaptable placement and can be rapidly deployed via extended backward from the receiver. Some may complain of the lack of a threaded barrel on the MPX Copperhead for mounting a suppressor. When queried about this, SIG answered if suppressed fire is a desired trait then another member of the MPX family can be chosen. The MPX Copperhead’s integrated brake allows for the shortest barrel configuration possible. The Copperhead’s design intent was compact firepower … period.

No weapon, no matter what theoretical advantage is offered, is worth considering if not reliable. As with most automatics, magazines are a crucial linchpin. Reports indicate SIG SAUER worked with Lancer to develop the polymer magazines for the MPX. Lancer took advantage of their experience with AR-15 magazines to create a translucent magazine with steel reinforcing inserts at the feed lips and a magazine catch slot. The MPX magazines are designed to present the next round almost directly in line with the chamber. This enhances reliability with the full-auto MPX versions’ high cyclic rate. Another benefit of this is allowing for the use of non-FMJ profile bullets; i.e., JHPs—something important for law enforcement or personal defense considerations. One note here is that one must pay attention when purchasing MPX magazines. Make sure Gen 2 MPX magazines are used with the MPX Copperhead. Gen 1 magazines that were tested proved problematic.

The SIG SAUER MPX Copperhead’s non-discriminatory handling of several types of 9mm ammunition was a pleasant surprise. Winchester 9mm NATO loads were initially tested based on experience with older 9mm SMG designs requiring the higher-pressure NATO loads to operate reliably. The MPX Copperhead functioned flawlessly, not only with the Winchester 9mm 124-grain NATO FMJ loads, but also with SIG SAUER 365 FMJ/Elite and V-Crown JHP. Federal’s new Syntech loads were also employed. The ability to feed the JHP and other bullet profiles was a totally unexpected bonus and a credit to the MPX design and further increases its potency as a CQB weapon for LE and civilians.

Find What Works

We might as well speak about the gorilla in the room when it comes to weapons turned into pistols from designs more associated with stocked SMG or rifles. What does a pistol like SIG SAUER MPX Copperhead offer? The answer here is nebulous based on user expectations and intentions. For many, a non-traditional pistol like the MPX Copperhead, while enticing due to firepower potential, lacks much in terms of accuracy past normal handgun ranges with an added negative of weighing twice as much as a typical handgun. Another possible method could be derived from how certain European special operation units run their weapons. The end of the weapon is floated on the cheek providing three points of contact for more stability and thus accuracy. While not optimum and not nearly as effective as a true shouldered stock, the alternate methods proved superior to merely attempting to hold the MPX Copperhead via traditional pistol method, especially when the goal is rapid fire rounds downrange with a semblance of accuracy. Attentive training will pay dividends in finding what works best for individual users.

Evaluation

The SIG SAUER MPX Copperhead was tested at Echo Valley Training Center. A SIG SAUER ROMEO 4 red dot was mounted. Iron sights are not provided with the MPX Copperhead. Several 30-round magazines were fired rapidly downrange. The MPX Copperhead has an ambidextrous charging handle that is very similar in appearance and function as the AR-15. It was determined that manual operation worked best by placing fingers on both sides of the charging handle so as to pull back evenly. The ambidextrous safety and magazine levers were found in familiar places to anyone who has operated an AR. The MPX Copperhead proved durable during testing at EVTC with nearly 700 rounds fired over multiple range visits. Most importantly the SIG SAUER MPX Copperhead demonstrated reliability. EVTC’s Hesco Shoot House was a popular venue for testing.

Magazine changes with the MPX Copperhead proved a smooth affair indicative of AR-like ergonomics. The closed-bolt MPX does have a bolt hold-open device which is different than most SMG designs, aiding in swifter reloading. The balance of the MPX Copperhead combined with firing 9mm in a 4.5-pound weapon minimizes any recoil or muzzle climb. This is especially important in the MPX Copperhead’s select-fire brethren with a cyclic rate over 1,000 rounds per minute (rpm). The piston-operated rotating bolt MPX contributes here as well. Bolt weight is minimal compared to more traditional SMG blowback methods featuring a hefty chunk of metal for operation. Strings of multiple rounds sent downrange smacked steel with no problem due to minimal muzzle climb. The diminutive nature of the MPX Copperhead can cause nervousness in users based on hand placement on the pint-size weapon. You definitely do not want to take a high thumb forward grip.

When everything is stripped away in terms of its design innovations, aesthetics and ergonomics, at its core the SIG SAUER MPX Copperhead is a compact 9mm SMG intended to put rounds on target in a hostile environment. The MPX Copperhead is lighter and handles better than its full-powered assault rifle brethren. While not as prevalent of late, there is an economic advantage in terms of the 9mm amount that can be purchased versus a rifle cartridge. These economics can be taken advantage of with more training; not to mention the ability to access indoor ranges or shoot houses with a pistol caliber weapon such as the MPX Copperhead. The training regimen is further enhanced by using 9mm with steel plate targets without having to resort to specialty frangible rifle loads. The Federal Syntech loads are especially suited for engaging steel at close range with minimal chance of bullet spalling/splashback. Also, less experienced shooters will find the lower recoil pulse and muzzle blast of a pistol caliber easier to manage, which often times will translate into better accuracy potential.

The SIG SAUER MPX Copperhead represents the revival of the SMG. The MPX Copperhead will force a reevaluation of SMG use for law enforcement or direct-action military units. Most engagements are successful within a 100-yard range, especially in LE, MOUT or civilian settings with handling and reliability playing more of a factor in quick, reactive engagements versus the specific caliber used. Along these same lines a civilian concerned with home defense will find the MPX Copperhead hard to resist with its high capacity and great handling. The muzzle blast differential between a 9mm versus an obnoxious rifle muzzle signature is further accentuated in confined spaces—such as inside a home. Will a rifle cartridge hit with more authority than a 9mm? Yes, of course, but mission specifics may dictate when the SIG SAUER MPX Copperhead is a more practical choice of weaponry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

SIG SAUER

sigsauer.com

Federal Ammunition

federalpremium.com

Echo Valley Training Center

echovalleytraining.com

Hornady Mfg. Co.

hornady.com