Soviet Union 1991

First update

Yanayev's promotion of new equipment is not just a small experimental promotion by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In order to build a reputation for new individual equipment, Yanayev encouraged individual equipment manufacturers to develop the newly developed 6094 vests and The new Kalashnikov tactical fishbone was promoted at the European Defense Exhibition. When the name of the new Molle system tactical vest began to spread across Europe, the Soviet army had to pay attention to the development of new equipment.

Therefore, at the 1995 NATO Defense Exhibition, it was very rare that a Soviet booth specialized in selling personal carrying equipment for soldiers. The Moscow Individual Equipment Manufacturing Factory, newly established by the government, displayed their new tactical fishbones and carrying equipment. The former fishbone It is prepared for countries in Eastern Europe that are accustomed to using Kalashnikov. The latter is a promotion to get the name of the Molle system tactical vest.

Compared with other booths displaying firearms and heavy weapons exhibitions, the number of people and traffic at the Moscow Individual Equipment Manufacturing Factory is pitiful. Although there is a Soviet pattern of sickle and hammer hanging in front of the exhibition hall, the representatives of the former Eastern European countries are there. When passing by this red memory, I always speed up my pace involuntarily.

The 6094 vest that was unveiled did attract representatives from some Western European countries to stop and watch, but they were deterred after hearing the price quoted by the other party. This is indeed the first time that the Soviet Union, which has always advocated roughness, simplicity and durability, has entered the high-end market, so the price of 6094 vest The price is twice as high as the carrying equipment currently in service in France and the United Kingdom. For the armies of major European countries whose ideas are still focused on convenience, practicality and low cost, 6094 is at best suitable for small-scale service in special forces, but is not suitable for widespread use in the military.

However, the designed 6094 vest still attracted the attention of some wealthy and small countries, such as government delegations such as Belgium. Prince Albert of the Belgian royal family also attended this European defense exhibition with the delegation. When he saw the booth of the Moscow Individual Equipment Manufacturing Factory The hanging 6094 vest then stopped.

"What's the matter, His Majesty the King?" the entourage asked. They were originally visiting the latest heavy weapons exhibition hall in the United States. Where was the place the Belgian delegation really wanted to visit.

Prince Albert is no longer the young and ambitious prince he was in 1945. When he became king forty years later, he had a gray head. Just when he saw the 6094 vest, he felt that this tactical vest was very novel.

"Nothing, I want to see this vest." Albert left his entourage and walked into the Moscow exhibition booth alone. He asked the staff about the purpose of this vest.

"Module combination? This is a new term." Albert picked up the black tactical vest on the table. This new type of vest was much lighter than he imagined. Moreover, it can be freely matched with a variety of modular accessories, from NATO 5.56-caliber magazines to 7.62-caliber magazine bags from Soviet socialist countries, which is relatively more convenient.

"Such a design can lead to a revolution in carrying equipment. This excellent design can save the military's expenditure on carrying equipment. For example, if we want to convert various firearms at will. Then we only need to replace an accessory bag to switch from Kalashniko to The rifle is converted into a P90 submachine gun. Very interesting design, and I want to know the price. ”

When the staff at the Moscow booth revealed the hefty price, Albert just frowned and did not turn around and leave like other representatives. Obviously this kind of advanced carrying equipment attracted his attention. The Belgian army is not like other countries. On the contrary, their soldiers' individual equipment is more luxurious than other countries.

"It is true that the price of using nylon is much more expensive than that of Seattle's carrying gear, but if a certain quantity is purchased, can the price be reduced? After all, this kind of price increase is new to all countries, and they need a certain amount of time to realize it. Understand and accept." Albert began to try to bargain with the staff of this company.

"If possible, I think our Belgian police department is willing to purchase some of these tactical vests for testing. If the effect is good, we will place additional orders. How about that?"

Obviously, this order exceeded the expectations of Factory Director Manil. He had just negotiated a business deal with representatives from Hungary and Romania. The other party was willing to purchase products from the Moscow Individual Equipment Manufacturing Factory on a small scale out of the favor of his old employer. Kalashnikov fish bones were used to test their effectiveness, and Romania also purchased a batch of kobra reflex sights, although Aimpoint's quotation was even lower.

After negotiating the two deals, Factory Director Manier happened to see the staff walking towards him in a hurry when he returned to the booth. After explaining the situation at the scene to him in a low voice, Manil personally negotiated with Prince Albert. The other party is an important member of the European royal family. Even if the Belgian army is willing to purchase its own tactical vests, it is enough for this newly established manufacturer to continue to develop.

Since 1991. Military manufacturers have the freedom to sign orders with foreign military and police departments. As long as some high-end military secrets are not involved, the Soviet government often provides preferential treatment and care. These manufacturers can survive in the most difficult years. It is a free order. For example, Mikoyan signed a contract with the Indian Ministry of Defense for the modification of MiG-29 carrier-based aircraft, and the Mili Design Bureau, which has been dumping large quantities of cheap and durable Mi-8 helicopters into Africa and South Africa through Victor, the Merchant of Death. During the most turbulent years of the economy, they used this method. Instead, it maintains its profits by exploring overseas markets. As a result, there was no chance of bankruptcy or collapse.

Therefore, the Moscow Individual Equipment Manufacturing Factory, which had just been established and had no certain foundation in the country, set its sights on a broader overseas market. He hoped to use Western countries with rich people and rich people, oh no, countries with strong financial resources. To provide enough orders to survive.

"We want to purchase two hundred sets of tactical vests for use in our own tests with the Belgian military and police departments. If the results are good, then we can sign another order. I think your design is very interesting, so I would like to make a request, Regarding the magazine pouch issue.”

Albert placed the magazine bag of 5.56 NATO ammunition in front of Factory Director Manil and said, "I need a magazine bag that can perfectly combine with the FAC rifle. I think your company will not refuse this request? After all, you are here There are only two types of rifles on display: ar and ak. If the price is right, I think I will consider a closer cooperation. ”

Albert extended an olive branch to factory director Manil and let him know how much he valued this product. Manil, who had waited for a long time to receive his first business, was certainly not willing to let go of such a great opportunity.

"Of course there is no problem. If you need it, we can even customize the P90 magazine bag for you professionally. And we will also give you discounts in terms of price." Factory Director Manier said with a smile.

"Thank you very much." Albert nodded. He asked the accompanying army officer to discuss other matters with the factory director. This **** who had served in the Belgian army and had a high prestige within the army was not like the British royal family. , after the establishment of the constitution, it became a symbolic factor of the country. He can still influence a country through his influence, even though this country is so small in the eyes of Europe.

"I think Prime Minister Dehaene doesn't like such a small move very much, right? After all, this political giant doesn't like a king to have too many entangled relationships with the army. In the eyes of this old-fashioned guy, this means that the royal family has no relationship with the army. The invisible red line has been crossed."

Albert's soliloquy left the entourage who was following him unable to answer, but he just said mockingly, "Forget it, it's a pity not to equip the troops with such an interesting thing. I'll just do a good deed. It's just I’m really curious as to how far this little-known Soviet manufacturer that has designed such innovative products will go in the future.” (To be continued.)