Vietnam's new rifle is a hybrid of Israeli engineering and Soviet soul

Wars & Conflicts · Published 16 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Vietnam is retiring the legendary Kalashnikov in favor of the STV—a rifle that blends the milled receiver of the Israeli Galil ACE with the familiar mechanics of the AK-47. It is a deliberate fusion of modern ergonomics and proven reliability, designed to transition a nation's military into a new era.

The transition began in 2014 when the People's Army of Vietnam (VPA) adopted the IWI Galil ACE 31/32. Rather than using it as-is, the Z111 Factory began a systematic modification process. They fused the Galil ACE with the STL-1A, integrating more Kalashnikov parts to ensure soldiers could transition smoothly from their legacy AK-47 and AKM rifles. This hybridity is the core of the STV family: it maintains the Galil's milled receiver and right-side charging handle but utilizes a traditional AK-based selective-fire mechanism.

The STV-380 emerged as the primary infantry weapon, specifically designed to replace the Kalashnikov. The naming convention is functional, with numbers indicating barrel length: the STV-380 features a 380mm barrel, while the STV-215 is a compact carbine with a 215mm barrel. Other variants exist for specialized roles, such as the STV-022—a submachine gun developed for bodyguards and close protection—and the STV-410 and STV-416, which are chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO for dedicated purposes rather than standard infantry use.

Technical nuances define the family's versatility. Most variants include Picatinny rails for optics and polymer handguards, though the STV-416 eschews rails for a side-mount. A unique historical quirk persists: the STV retains the Galil ACE's bayonet lug, allowing it to use the M7 bayonet instead of the standard AK 6Ch4. This evolution represents a sophisticated middle ground—modernizing the hardware while preserving the logistical compatibility of the 7.62x39mm cartridge and AK-standard magazines.

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