1-21-11
9:09 P.M.
The Russian Defense Minister, Anatoly Surdyukov, caused much debate in Russia by suggesting that Russian made rifles were outdated and that he is considering buying foreign-made small arms. Russian rifles like the AK-47 have been a staple in the Russian military for over 60 years and thus many Russians are protesting this plan. Russian gun creators claim that Russian rifles are the best the world has to offer in terms of quality and durability and also that buying foreign weapons for the military would destroy the gun industry in Russia. Another argument being made is that Defense Minister Surdyukov is not a military man and thus does not have an expert opinion and should not speak on the issue. Some people are even trying to defend the AK-47 by saying that terrorists prefer it to other rifles made around the world so it must be of great quality. The AK-47 may not be a very accurate weapon in terms of modern day warfare, but according to American retired Maj. Gen. Bob Scales the weapon epitomizes the Russian philosophy of the “people’s weapon” that anyone can use.
Either decision the Russian’s make will have advantages and disadvantages. If the Russian military does decide to buy foreign small arms, then they will have a more modernized, accurate rifle and may be able to improve relations with the country they purchase from. However, they will have to spend time and money training soldiers to use more complicated weapons. If they decide to keep their domestic rifles, the Russians will avoid the transition period of a switch and keep their tradition. But they will still have a weapon that is inaccurate and obsolete by modern standards.
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