Russia reportedly wants to co-operate with Greece to make kalashnikovs

Russia allegedly sent an official proposal to Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos offering for a joint collaboration to comanufacture Kalashnikov Rifles in Greece, according to the site onalert.gr. Initially a verbal offer was made, however a formal reply is expected by August.

The offer had first been made to Greece in 2006 when Russia had suggested the creation of weapons production factories in Greece.

The latest report states that Russian officials asked to visit the Hellenic Defense Systems (EAS) facilities in Aigio, Peloponnese. Upon visiting, the Rusian officials deemed the manufacturing facilities of the area to be efficient and reiterated the proposal to Greece. An official letter to the General Directorate for Defense Investment and Armaments soon followed giving a detailed plan for the co-manufacturing of Kalashnikov rifles.

A number of hurdles would need to be overcome before such a deal could be implemented. It would be hard for NATO and the US to accept such an agreement, whereas the Greek army would also need to replace the G3 German-designed rifles they are currently using.