World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

ABSTRACT

Mikhail Kalashnikov, a Soviet and Russian military engineer, is best known for designing the AK-47 assault rifle, which became a ubiquitous weapon in the Soviet Union and beyond. The AK-47, officially named Avtomat Kalashnikova (Kalashnikov's automatic rifle), was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1949 and subsequently became a symbol of the Soviet era. Kalashnikov's design was born out of his experiences as a tank mechanic during World War II, where he witnessed the advantages of German firearms. Mikhail Kalashnikov's Background: Kalashnikov was a Soviet tank mechanic who, after being wounded in combat during World War II, dedicated himself to developing a superior weapon. The AK-47's Development: The AK-47, designed in 1947, is a 7.62×39mm assault rifle. It's known for its reliability, ease of use, and relatively low production cost. Adoption and Impact: The AK-47 was officially adopted by the Soviet Army in 1949 and became the standard-issue rifle. Its adoption extended to other countries in the Warsaw Pact and beyond, making it one of the most widely used firearms in the world. Legacy: The AK-47 and its variants, collectively known as the Kalashnikov rifle, have been involved in numerous conflicts and are still in widespread use today. Kalashnikov's Later Life: Kalashnikov became a lieutenant general in the Soviet and Russian military and continued to design firearms, including the AKM, AK-74, RPK, and PK machine guns. In later life, Kalashnikov expressed regret over the weapon's use in conflicts and the suffering it caused.