Defence & Space

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is formally opened by the Ambassador of Canada tothe Republic of Poland

Canadian company Galvion announced that the Canadian Ambassador to Poland, Catherine Godin, officially opened the European Production Hub in Gdańsk.

2025-06-26 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Axiom Mission 4: The Historic Spaceflight of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski

June 25, 2025, will go down in history as the day when the second Pole in our history flew into…

2025-06-25 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Polish 35 mm SA-35 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun with PIT-Radwar

During the recent MSPO trade fair in Kielce, the company PIT-Radwar presented its proposal for a 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun…

2025-06-13 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 13 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Debut of Foudre – the French HIMARS

As previously announced by Turgis & Gaillard, the 55th International Paris Air and Space Show served as the venue for the…

2025-06-23 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

SKW Cryptographic Security Certificate for Polish Comp@n Radio Set from the WB Group

The WB Group announced that the Comp@n system radio set, developed by its subsidiary Radmor, along with the Cryptographic Document Management…

2025-06-14 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Advancing multi-domain EW operations: Rohde & Schwarz unveils latest innovations at AOC Europe

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems, sensor fusion and signal analysis solutions, designed to meet the evolving…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Debut of Foudre – the French HIMARS

As previously announced by Turgis & Gaillard, the 55th International Paris Air and Space Show served as the venue for the…

2025-06-23 | Radosław Niesobski | 2 minutes

IFRE 2025: Communication Systems From INVISIO at the Megmar Booth

At the 5th International Fire Protection & Rescue Exhibition KIELCE IFRE-EXPO, Megmar presented the offerings of the Danish company INVISIO.…

2025-06-18 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is formally opened by the Ambassador of Canada tothe Republic of Poland

Canadian company Galvion announced that the Canadian Ambassador to Poland, Catherine Godin, officially opened the European Production Hub in Gdańsk.

2025-06-26 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is formally opened by the Ambassador of Canada tothe Republic of Poland

Canadian company Galvion announced that the Canadian Ambassador to Poland, Catherine Godin, officially opened the European Production Hub in Gdańsk.

2025-06-26 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Poland: Buffer zone on the border with Belarus extended for another 90 days

The Minister of the Interior and Administration has signed a regulation introducing a temporary ban on presence in a designated area within the…

2025-06-11 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Galvion’s European Production Hub in Poland is formally opened by the Ambassador of Canada tothe Republic of Poland

Canadian company Galvion announced that the Canadian Ambassador to Poland, Catherine Godin, officially opened the European Production Hub in Gdańsk.

2025-06-26 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

ICEYE to provide SAR Satellite Data to NATO Allied Command Operations

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE will provide data from satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO) as part…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Tiberius Aerospace partners with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence Technology Secretariat

UK and US-based defence industry newcomer Tiberius Aerospace has announced a partnership with the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Defence…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Axiom Mission 4: The Historic Spaceflight of Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski

June 25, 2025, will go down in history as the day when the second Pole in our history flew into…

2025-06-25 | Rafał Muczyński | 5 minutes

ICEYE to provide SAR Satellite Data to NATO Allied Command Operations

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE will provide data from satellite-based synthetic aperture radars (SAR) to NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO) as part…

2025-06-24 | Redakcja | 3 minutes
Shooting

SIG NEXT 2025: Long Gun – New 516-MOHAWK

As part of this year’s lineup of new products, SIG Sauer has unveiled a new version of its piston-driven AR-15 –…

2025-06-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

SIG NEXT 2025: New Handguns – P211-GTO and More

The SIG NEXT 2025 event took place from June 17 to 19, during which the American manufacturer showcased its latest firearms…

2025-06-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

Mactronic M-Fire Guardian – A New Flashlight for Professionals

Mactronic is introducing a new angle flashlight, the M-Fire Guardian. According to the manufacturer, it is the first angle flashlight with red…

2025-06-04 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 minutes

IFRE 2025: Maskpol Showcases Protective Suits and Gas Masks

Maskpol, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented part of its product range—protective suits and gas masks—at the 5th…

2025-06-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

UF PRO Introduces Waist/Flex Belts to Its Product Line

UF PRO, a Slovenian manufacturer of professional apparel and part of the Mehler Systems group, is adding a new accessory to its lineup…

2025-06-06 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

POLSECURE: Holsters HPE Poland offer for uniformed services

At the 3rd International Police and Public Security Fair POLSECURE 2024 in Kielce, Holsters HPE Poland presented its offer for…

2024-05-01 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

SIG NEXT 2025: Long Gun – New 516-MOHAWK

As part of this year’s lineup of new products, SIG Sauer has unveiled a new version of its piston-driven AR-15 –…

2025-06-23 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

SIG NEXT 2025: New Handguns – P211-GTO and More

The SIG NEXT 2025 event took place from June 17 to 19, during which the American manufacturer showcased its latest firearms…

2025-06-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Bayraktar TB3 Debuts

The 55th edition of the International Paris Air and Space Show, held in the French capital, provided an opportunity for…

2025-06-19 | Radosław Niesobski | 3 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

Protective Rescuer Vest – BC Arms Archangel

The Archangel Rescuer Vest is the result of a collaboration between Polish companies Currahee and BC Arms. It was created in…

2025-05-16 | Mariusz Rams | 6 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

Military Equipment Accessories: Ukrainian Kalashnikov Add-ons

The rifle called Kalashnikov, after the name of its creator, is considered a bulletproof weapon. It was designed in such a way, that after minimal instructions anyone can use it and no one can break it. It is, as the Soviet farmers of the era were – strong, simple and rough.

In general, the above is true. But what if we like our AK, don’t want to modify it heavily but a 21st-century optoelectronic device is required? What if we want to reduce the weapons’ recoil and muzzle rise to make the fire more rapid and accurate? In other words, how do we polish it but keep the soul intact? Ukrainian-based Military Equipment (ME) can help. It specializes in manufacturing and selling of the accessories for hunting and sporting firearms, including gear designed especially for IPSC competitions. The company was founded in 2009 in Kharkiv and, since then, managed to develop and introduce a wide range of weapon accessories such as bags, cases, magazine loaders, cleaning equipment, optical mounts and aiming devices.

The product boxes have a catchy print on them – „Precision – Speed – Comfort”. Is this motto going to fulfill our expectations? Via the ME’s distributor – militaryequipment.pl – MILMAG received some of their parts and accessories for testing. Supplied items were destined for AK/AKM rifles and included upper receiver cover with integrated mounting rails, magwell attachment, a handguard with a gas tube cover, enlarged cocking handle and 5 types of muzzle devices.

After fitting the abovementioned accessories, the sense of the weapon changed significantly. There were no modifications to the internal’s of the rifle but the shooting experience was of the different, and much better, weapon.

Ukrainian ME (Military Equipment) specializes in manufacturing and selling of accessories for hunting and sporting firearms

PAC-47 Hellpup rifle with ME accessories attached. The 30-round, transparent magazine is a new product

Upper receiver cover

Kit contains a cover with an integrated mounting rail, a support to join the cover to the sight base, and a return spring mounting plate with an enlarged tooth. According to the manufacturer, the modified tooth helps with disassembly process but we could not find a significant difference.

The cover mounting system is interesting and similar to the solution used in AKS-74U 5,45-mm sub carabine. Cover mounts to the sight fixing holes and the sight itself does not disappear, as in similar accessories, but is moved to the support. Two bolts enable the user to achieve fitment for the particular firearm.

The described solution has many advantages. The AK/AKM gets a normal, top mounted accessory rail. There is no need to remove the original front sight – cover swivels up to access the weapon’s insides and there is no problem with disassembly.

Fixed mounting points guarantee, that there is no need to adjust the additional optics after cleaning. Moreover, original iron sight are still usable. Just the front sight needs adjustment after the cover is fitted.

It’s important to loctite the mounting bolts of the cover or there will be some movement. Initially, after just a few dozens of shots, the optics will go out of alignment. If the shooting continuous, the whole cover can just drop off. The same goes for the sight mount arm bolt. Without loctite, the rifle will soon need re-sighting.

We have some doubts about the finish of the product. Both exterior and interior have very visible mill marks. On one side this could have been done to lower the production costs. On the other – it could have been done on purpose, to match the rough feel of the AK. Anyhow, this does not affect the working of the cover – it’s just aesthetics.

Handguard and gas tube cover

Another ME accessory is the handguard/gas tube cover replacement set (catalog number ME900001). Right out of the box one advantage is clearly noticeable – it’s made of aluminum so it weighs just 185g. The handguard allows for comfortable and sure grip and when fitted, it moves the rifle center of gravity towards the back. This removes some weight from the forward arm. Top of the gas tube cover has a full-length Picatinny rail which can accommodate an optoelectronic sight. This, however, takes the sight a bit too far from the shooter’s eyes. Handguard has KeyMod mounting holes on both sides and the bottom. This allows for further accessories to be fitted to the firearm.

The assembly of the kit is quick and trouble- -free. I tested it on the normal AKM and od the PAC-47 Hellpup, p roduced by P ioneer Arms Corp. from Radom. Lugs that attach the handguard to the upper receiver and the front right have some adjustment built-in. Not a lot, but just enough to fit it correctly. The biggest problem I noticed is the quality of the included mounting bolts. After a couple of assembly/disassembly activities, I managed to strip the threads (just the bolts, not the threads in the handguard). It’s not a big issue and replacements can easily be sourced. The whole set costs PLN750 (EUR180).

Magazine funnel

Another practical item by ME is the magazine well attachment. It’s catalog number is ME470001 and costs PLN170 (EUR40). It expedites the magazine changes by guiding the new mag into the socket. It’s made from polymer and looks like a shaped frame that goes on the original mag well. The steel bracket is located at the front of the accessory and this element locks on the front of the stock magazine socket. Next, the frame has to be adjusted and then a bolt fixes everything together.

The manufacturer really wanted to make this accessory stable, so the rear of the frame is placed inside the trigger guard. Surprisingly, this does not affect the operation of the trigger. The funnel is useful but it has two disadvantages. The tested one wasn’t universal and while it worked with the AKM’s and AKM clones it did not work with an AK with a milled chamber. Despite the frame being designed correctly, there was a problem with the fire selector lever. Funnel interfered with it and prevented the last couple of millimeters of movement of the lever.

The accessory was tested with the standard steel AK mags and with quite a few types of polymer mags, which usually are a bit wider (due to the material used). Almost everything worked correctly. The only problem was with the IMI Systems AK-A1 mags which turned out to be too wide. This, however, wasn’t completely unexpected as we had problems with the width of this mags before and there were issues occurring even without using a magazine funnel.

Enlarged handle

The ME460001 is an enlarged charging handle. It’s made of stainless steel, weights 70 g and is shaped like a cylinder. The length is 29mm, the diameter is 19mm and it costs PLN150 (EUR35). Assembly is simple. It goes on the original handle and is fixed in place with an Allen bolt. It has enough adjustment to be compatible with every Kalashnikov based firearm.

The handle is textured and the grip is very positive. The depth of the texturing is just right. It works fine with a naked hand but is grippy enough to be used with gloves as well.

The fixing bolt should be loctited during the assembly process to prevent it from vibrating loose and disappearing while shooting.

Stock adapter

A short and uncomfortable stock is one of the AK/AKM flaws. Perhaps, in 1940, it was sufficient but nowadays, when people are generally taller, it’s not working so well. With the shooters height increase, a need for another Kalashnikov improvement appeared.

One of the ways to improve on AK stock is to fit an adjustable, M4-style one. It’s not ideal as the stock axis is a bit off but at least it allows the user to adjust the length to the shooter’s anatomy.

To fit an M4 stock to a rifle from behind the iron curtain an adapter is needed. ME presents a ready-made solution for this. It’s the ME400010 accessory and it costs PLN390 (EUR92). Typical of ME products it’s efficient but rather crude. The adapter, base for the M4 tube, is turned and milled from a single piece of still. It’s pressure fitted and secured to the upper receiver with a single bolt. This is enough to prevent the adapter from sliding out. I would risk saying, that the bolt is more of a psychological comforter. I had to use a hammer to take the accessory off.

The adapter worked perfectly with an AKM rifle but fitting to the Hellpup required some fine-tuning with an angle grinder to remove some material from the top. What’s important, it still worked with the AKM after this butchery. It worked so well, that a large lever and a hammer were still required to remove it.

The adapter’s length is 42mm so the base od the M4 stock will be spaced from the upper receiver by this much. Lower users need to take this into account but they are probably not so worried about stock’s adjustability anyway.

Muzzle devices

We had five compensators provided for testing. The devices were tested and compared with a factory muzzle device. Four of the tested were the muzzle brakes while the fifth was an effective flash suppressor. Ukrainian devices were tested during the night and over winter and were judged subjectively by the shooter’s impressions. Initially, we were a bit worried about the finish (or lack of it) of the devices and their vulnerability to corrosion. In the end, despite lack of cleaning, there was no rust present. Every device is made of quality materials but the looks are on the crude side – contrary to American manufacturers like Noveske. The price, however, justifies the looks.

Adapter

It’s important to mention, that some of the devices had to be used with the ME45005 adapter. It allows for fitment of the 14×1,5 mm threaded accessories on AK/AKM’s 14×1 mm thread. The adapter costs PLN80 (EUR19).

Streła

We tested the Strela device first (ME450028). It’s a compensator designed for 7,62×39 mm ammunition and costs PLN290 (EUR69). There are other models for 5,45×39 mm, 5,56×45 mm/.223 Remington or 7,62×51 mm/.308 Winchester ammunition available.

At the first sight, Strela is a big hunk of steel and resembles the muzzle brake from M82A1 Barret rifle. The dimensions are 81 x 35 x 26 mm and when fitted, it looks heavy and cumbersome. It can be defined as a dual-chamber, action compensator, fitted with a 24 x 1,5 mm right thread. It requires the beforementioned adapter. All these supposed flaws go away when the shooting starts. The reduction of muzzle rise is very noticeable and the firearm is much easier to aim and use. Strela allows for rapid and accurate fire as the aiming time is much reduced. Device masses at 125 g and does not put much weight towards the barrel – less than all the other tested devices. Strela is definitely our number 1 of the tested muzzle breaks.

 

Tornado

vaxME 450017 Tornado was the second muzzle device tested. It’s retailed at PLN480 (EUR115) and the available variants are similar to Strela.

Tornado weights 96 g and the dimensions are 71 x 25,8 mm. It requires the adapter as the thread is 24 x 1,5 mm. It definitely increases the tactical look when placed on an AK rifle. Tornado exhausts gases very efficiently, almost as good as Strela. From the shooter’s point of view, there is one flaw – the angle of the exhaust openings. When shooting, gases are hitting the user’s hands. It’s the only issue we found and the reason why Tornado lost out in a race to 1st place.

Wichr

Wichr was the third device tested. Militaryequipment. pl sells it at PLN290 (EUR69) and the dimensions are 73 x 31 mm. Weight is 103 g. Wichr is a 3-chamber compensator and uses 24 x 1,5 mm thread so requires the adapter. Our impressions were… well… bland. It cancels the recoil by a tiny bit, but there is nothing to set it apart.

Vokil Tactical Systems Manis

The last tested device does not come from Ukraine but from Bulgaria. We included it in this test as it was sent to us together with ME products. Vokil Tactical System Manis costs PLN260 (EUR60), has a mass of 190g and uses 24 x 1,5 mm thread (adapter required). Dimensions are 73 x 31 mm. According to the manufacturer, first part of the combustion gases is exhausted by the 5 opening on the top of the device – this supposedly reduces the muzzle rise. Another 2 openings serve as a muzzle break and reduce the recoil. There are additional 2 holes placed at the 45-degree angle which reduce the recoil a bit more. Recoil reduction with Vokil Tactical device isn’t as pronounced as with the first 2 devices we described. The blast of gases, however, isn’t noticeable by the user. It’s a great advantage for hunting or target shooting but not that important for dynamic situations.

Prizrak flash suppressor

ME Połumjagasnik Prizrak (ME 450008) falls into a different category and it’ looks are inspired by Noveske KX3.

Ghost, as it’s best translated, consists of the internal chamber and conical tip which widens towards the front. It’s a very effective solution as most of the stray gases burn in the chamber and the funnel-shaped tip conceals the flash.

Flash suppressor is quite heavy and large. It weights 190 g and measures 92 x 36 mm. The size, however, does not negatively affect the weapon handling. It does not require an adapter as it uses the 14 x 1 mm left thread. The price is PLN330 (EUR78).

PA-KO Magazine

Together with ME accessories, we received the newest version of AK/AKM magazine developed by PA-KO. Manufacturer modified the magazine quite a bit in 2016. Changes included removing the bottom tab, reducing the bottom footprint, changing the shape of the top tooth and the jaws. Additional openings for 10, 20, and 30 rounds were added. The main differential is the material. The current model is made of Lexan (transparent polycarbonate). Empty magazine weights 175 g. The previous, not transparent 2016 version is 190 g and the classic steel mag weights 333 g.

The openings in the previous, black, version were a bit questionable – narrow and hard to use when checking the ammo count. There was no problem when the magazine was on the table but when firing, the shooter had to look under the upper receiver to check the ammunition. Additionally, the „10” opening was placed behind the magazine release. The new version still has these holes but they are more for drainage. Ammo count can be checked easily thanks to transparent Lexan.

The top tooth is reshaped and lengthened by 2mm. Side walls at the front of the mag are 1 mm wider. In theory, this should improve the handling but I didn’t notice any significant differences compared to the previous variant. There were no problems with feeding the ammunition. We have to say that the PA-KO magazine is one of the best polymer mags available on Polish market today.

This article was originally published on MILMAG 02/2018

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