Ukraine is on the brink of fully localizing production of the UAR-15 assault rifle, with barrel manufacturing being the final component yet to be brought in-house.
According to a report by Oboronka, the Ukrainian manufacturer previously faced political obstacles in acquiring the necessary equipment from abroad. However, following russia’s full-scale invasion, the company successfully secured high-tech machinery for barrel production. In parallel, it also launched licensed manufacturing of the 40mm M203 under-barrel grenade launcher.
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As reported by Defense Express, the UAR-15 rifle has become one of Ukraine’s most successful small arms production stories. Even before the invasion, this Ukrainian variant of the AR-15 platform had been delivered to units of the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service, where it received positive feedback. It is now also being supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Over the past decade, nearly all UAR-15 rifle components have been localized, including the upper and lower receivers, bolt carrier group, gas block, trigger mechanism, and magazines. The key remaining challenge has been the production of rifled barrels, which are currently imported from several U.S. manufacturers.
After obtaining the necessary equipment, the manufacturer initially employed the button rifling method for barrel production. It has since mastered hammer forging technology, a more advanced technique that forms the rifling and chamber in a single cycle and is known for higher precision and durability.
Reportedly, UAR-15 production lines are currently operating at full capacity. Preparations for localized barrel manufacturing are ongoing, with production expected to begin by 2026. This progress has been achieved despite the company having to relocate its operations to a safer region in 2022 due to the war.
Oboronka also notes a high level of automation in the production process: operators simply place a forged aluminum blank into a CNC machine, which then automatically mills it into the desired part.
The UAR-15 and its variants have now been adopted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and are actively supplied to military units. Thanks to its extensive localization, reliable design, and shared lineage with NATO-standard rifles, it has strong potential to become the main service rifle of Ukraine’s Defense Forces — provided a state order is issued.
It’s worth noting that the UAR-15 faces competition from the Czech-made Bren 2 rifle, which is also being localized in Ukraine. Although its current localization level is significantly lower, efforts are underway to improve it. However, the UAR-15 enjoys one clear advantage: it is based on a "legendary" design no longer protected by patents, eliminating the need to pay royalties to the original developer.
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