Today, the Cabinet announced increased military spending for this year. For a few years already, it was planned to re-equip the Perejaslawlian army, replacing outdated weapons with modern arms to provide adequate response to any external threat. As the backbone of our army is infantry, it was decided to start with basic infantry weapons, to replace the good old AKM. The Department of Defence had performed a series of tests to decide, which of the contendors will be the next primary infantry weapon for the army; candidates were AK-74, AN-94, Sako Rk.75, Valmet M82, Type 86s, and QBZ-95, among many others. After extensive testing, it was decided to go with a pair of weapons: AEK-971 and A-91.

AEK-971:


A-91:


For both rifles, 7.62x39mm caliber versions were chosen, so that existing ammunition and production lines could be used. AEK-971 will be the most common rifle, standard issue for front-line troops. A-91, with its integrated grenade launcher, will be issued to specially trained troops, to provide cover fire in urban warfare when needed.

In addition to that, the old PKM light machine guns will be upgraded to a slightly modernized version, Pecheneg.

The rearmament of active army groups is planned to be completed by the end of this year; the rifles are being manufactured by factories inside the country. Citizens with assault rifles issued by the government after military training are expected to maintain their guns until additional funds will be allocated to replace them - this process will take a few years.

Meanwhile, the DoD is considering an upgrade of motorized armored vehicles, and anti-aircraft defences. These are beyond the capabilities of Perejaslawlian heavy industry, so purchases from other countries are expected. Exact money figures, if they exist, are not being disclosed yet.

I commend this and i am sure the region appreciates the way you have informed us of this important development

Today, Justin Peter I spoke out against the Perejaslawl re-armament saying that it can only do more harm than good...and that if any country attacks another in this region, reprocussions would be swift. Justin Peter I has always believed in a regional proliferation of any arms..citing that "death and destruction" are not his "cup of tea." But it is not our place to dictate the foreign policy of another nation and can only criticize, not force, a nation on disarmament, he said. We do have a military though, but resembles that of switzerlands and is in a totally defensive position. Yes, Perejaslawl's re-armament may jsut be for small arms for now..and not on a big scale, but we caution against future build ups...because it could get out of hand. Thank you, and good night.

We would like to assure everyone that our military is strictly for defensive purposes. Indeed, our army is, as well, similar in structure to Swiss one: all male citizens must serve 6 months at the age of 18, where they get basic military training, and are given a personal assault rifle to keep in their household. Our active army is relatively small, counting 80,000 soldiers. However, we view the task of defending our native land seriously, and will continue to build up defensive forces.

We would be more than happy to sell some lightly-used armoured vehicles for a low cost, as we're trying to get rid of some of our post-Civil War military equipment in favour of better weaponry. Would the Principality be interested?

What kind of vehicles are those? Since we are just upgrading our army, we would prefer something relatively modern.