Mikhail Kalashnikov Quotes

A collection of quotes by Mikhail Kalashnikov.

Mikhail Kalashnikov (1920-2013) was a renowned Russian weapon designer, most famous for creating the AK-47 assault rifle, one of the most widely used firearms in the world. Born on November 10, 1920, in Kurya, Altai Krai, Russia, Kalashnikov grew up in a peasant family and developed a passion for mechanics at an early age.

During World War II, Kalashnikov served as a tank commander in the Red Army. In 1941, while recovering from an injury in a hospital, he began designing firearms to support the Soviet war effort. His innovative designs eventually caught the attention of military officials, leading to the production and adoption of the AK-47 in 1947. This versatile and reliable rifle became the mainstay of the Soviet military and armed forces in many countries around the world.

Kalashnikov continued his career in the Soviet small arms industry, designing various firearms and receiving numerous awards and honors for his contributions. Despite the widespread use of his rifles, he expressed regret about the high level of violence associated with their use in conflicts. In his later years, Kalashnikov focused on promoting Russian arms exports and establishing the Kalashnikov brand worldwide.

Mikhail Kalashnikov passed away on December 23, 2013, at the age of 94, leaving behind a lasting legacy as an iconic weapon designer and inventor of the AK-47, which has become a symbol of armed resistance and revolution across the globe.