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Ukraine touts locally-built AR-15 assault rifle variant – M4-WAC-47
Ukraine’s state-owned Ukroboronprom showcased its locally built variant of the AR-15 assault rifle – i.e. M4-WAC-47 – on October 05. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence (MoD) intends to induct the M4-WAC-47 as part of its technical and operational alignment with NATO.
The M4-WAC-47 was developed in collaboration with U.S.-based Aeroscraft.
Besides 5.56×45 mm NATO rounds, the M4-WAC-47 can also be adapted to fire 7.62×39 mm rounds, which will allow the Ukrainian forces to leverage existing (and ubiquitous) 7.62×39 mm ammunition stocks.
The M4-WAC-47 will be available in 10.5”, 11.5”, 14.5” and 24” barrels. Ukroboronprom says that varying barrel lengths will enable the M4-WAC-47 platform to work for a wide range of roles, from close-quarters to a sniper or designated marksman.
As per Ukroboronprom, the adaption process to 5.56 NATO can be done on the field. Ukroboronprom added that it is also considering of adapting the M4-WAC-47 to .458 SOCOM and 6.8 SPC II.
Tests will commence, the successful completion of which will see Ukroboronprom manufacture the M4-WAC-47 under license from the U.S. government. Collimator and optical sights, night and thermal vision, forward grips and other accessories will also be available.
“The … M4 – WAC-47 allows the Ukrainian army and the defense industry to turn to the NATO standards on its own, thanks to the weapons that will be produced at Ukrainian enterprises, not only will new jobs and increased taxes be created, but also technological progress will be improved,” said Roman Romanov, the General Director of Ukroboronprom.
Besides the Ukrainian MoD, the M4-WAC-47 will also be available for export. Ukroboronprom is pitching the M4-WAC-47 to Eastern and Central European countries, among them Romania and Bulgaria.
Kiev is hoping to engage in partnerships with the U.S. defence industry to revitalize its defence industry, both in terms of fulfilling its own rearmament needs and to secure a future for its high-profile programs. In July, Ukroboronprom’s Antonov announced that it was seeking U.S. industry support to revive the An-70 strategic airlifter (under the new designation An-77).
6 Comments
by Brandon K
I’d give it a shot. We all know they build a better AK than us, I bet its solid.
by Shershahsuri
can be option for PA as it is in search of a new rifle.
by Millionmileman
I can’t believe they are using an outdated weapon like this. I understood they were building Israel’s latest Tavor X-95 (5×45) under license. The IDF started dumping the M-4, 10 years ago.
by Syed Rehman
The tavor is a bullpup. It is meant for short range urban combat. The M4 is a more customizable weapon and can be custom fitted for mission parameters.
by Millionmileman
You would be surprised how good the Tavor X-95 perimeters are. “Longer” is not always better. It has less exposure at corners of buildings can also fire grenades and is ambidextrous (the correct term should be ambilateral) with a great range. Also is very un-jamable. I tested one last week.
by Syed Rehman
x95 is def a good system. I have had the opportunity to play around with it for some time. Most modern rifles can be attached with a grenade launcher that isnt something special. As for what its good for, it all comes down to mission parameters. Modern tactics require firearms to be able to be modular to meet the mission.