Since the start of Russia's large-scale invasion, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has codified and put into service over 25 models of machine guns in the units of Ukraine's defense forces.
Most of the codified models are machine guns of 5.56 and 7.62 mm calibers. Over 10 models are machine guns of 12.7 and 14.5 mm calibers. Large-caliber machine guns are effective means of engaging the enemy at long distances, combating armored vehicles, and engaging enemy airborne targets, among other uses.
Among the models that have enriched the arsenal of the defense forces are examples from both domestic production and products from manufacturers in Germany, Belgium, Italy, the Czech Republic, Serbia, Turkey, the United States, and others.
For example, the legendary American Ma Deuce, also known as the M2 Browning machine gun, has proven itself as reliable and durable weaponry extensively used in the majority of 20th-century wars. This machine gun is in service with armies of over 100 countries worldwide, including recently in Ukraine's defense forces.
According to information from the Main Department of Life Cycle Support of Armament and Military Equipment, the procedure for obtaining NATO nomenclature code for a new model of armament and military equipment (AME) has been simplified to 10 days. Domestic AME models that have been codified can be purchased using state budget funds.
