Ammunition for Russian Kalashnikov assault rifles. Photo: Rostec.
Guacamaya, July 2, 2025. A Russian state-owned company has completed the first phase of an ammunition factory in Venezuela, which will supply the country’s armed forces and security agencies.
According to a press release from Rostec, the Russian technology firm, the new plant has an installed capacity of 70 million rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition for Kalashnikov assault rifles.
Oleg Yevtushenko, the company’s executive director, explained that the ammunition will be used for “the national army, police, and other security agencies.” He added that “This is an important step in the development of technological cooperation with our key partner in Latin America.”
The factory is being built by a subsidiary of Rostec, Rosoboronexport. With the first phase completed, it can now produce 70 million rounds of ammunition, while work is expected to proceed immediately on a second phase.
The same statement noted that “Rosoboronexport highly values the level of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Venezuela. […] As a result of successful and mutually beneficial cooperation, Venezuela has not only improved the technical equipment of its armed forces but has also significantly increased its combat training level. This allows the country to reliably ensure its own defense capabilities and successfully combat drug trafficking and organized crime.”
The Venezuelan government has not commented on the project. Rostec reported that Deputy Defense Minister Henry Rodríguez and Industries Minister Alex Saab attended the inauguration ceremony.
