This is a game changer. The Russian state-owned Molot plant that used to produce RPK light machine guns will now produce a range of Beretta pistols and sporting guns. Aviation Week reports …

Russia continues to gradually open its defense market for foreign manufacturers. On May 6 Russian Technologies Corporation, a giant state-controlled industrial and defense holding, announced its plans to launch a joint venture with Italian small arms manufacturer Beretta. According to the Corporation’s head Sergey Chemezov, the JV may start its work in the beginning of 2011 and will manufacture hand guns for police and intelligence agencies as well as hunting and sporting weapons. These weapons intended for both domestic market and export will be the first foreign small arms manufactured in Russia since WWI.

Could the Beretta ARX-160 be Russia’s next big export?

[ Many thanks to Lloyd for emailing me the link. ]