e-News® | The NEWS Company…ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (Feb. 23, 2014) : Kalashnikov Concern, part of State Corporation Rostec, is purchasing a controlling (51 percent) stake in ZALA Aero – Russian developer of unmanned flying craft (drones.) Kalashnikov plans to manufacture drones in Russia. ZALA brand now joins Kalashnikov portfolio of brands, which will help Kalashnikov to widen its product line.

“Based off Kalashnikov Concern and ZALA Aero company we plan to develop and manufacture drones, mobile and earth-based management stations,” said Aleksey Krivoruchko, Kalashnikov Concern CEO. “Our main product here will be intelligence-gathering pilotless airplanes, helicopters and aerostats. The decision to purchase control stake of ZALA Aero to widen our product line has been made as a part of the strategy of Kalashnikov corporate development through the year 2020 and as a part of the process of developing new sectors of our market.” Areas of drone utilization will include securing state borders, intelligence gathering and rescue operations, as well as special operations. Partners plan for development and manufacturing of drones for air surveillance in areas of heightened danger and emergency areas, as well as for carrying out geodetic, mapping and scientific research operations in tough climates and weather conditions.

For the first time, at Kalashnikov Concern’s booth (09-C30) at international arms expo IDEX-2015, taking place from 22 February to 26 February in Abu Dhabi, several models of contemporary drones are exhibited under ZALA brand. Interactive installation at Kalashnikov booth will allow expo visitors to examine the newest drone 3D models, to rotate a virtual camera around a 3D model, to zoom it in and out, as well as switch between other virtual cameras, examining the 3D model from different angles. The interactive installation will allow seeinghow exhibited technologyperforms different tasks and will facilitate receiving additional technology information.

Kalashnikov Concern – The company is Russia’s largest designer and manufacturer of combat automatic and sniper weapons, guided projectiles and a wide range of precision weapons. A large segment of civilian products includes shotguns, sporting rifles, machine tools and tools. 51 % of the Concern’s shares belong to Rostec State Corporation, while 49% have been purchased by private investors.  The Concern’s products are sold to more than 27 countries.  Kalashnikov Concern unities three product brands: Kalashnikov firearms brand, Baikal hunting and civilian rifles brand and Izhmash sporting rifles brand.

Rostec State Corporation – is the Russian corporation established in 2007 to promote the development, production and export of high-technology industrial civil and military goods. It comprises about 700 enterprises which currently form 9 holdings in the defense industrial complex and 5 holdings in civil industries.  The portfolio of Rostec features such well-known brands as AvtoVaz, Kamaz, Russian Helicopters, VSMPO-AVISMA and many others. Rostec’s enterprises are located in 60 regions of Russia and serve the markets of over 70 countries. In 2013, its revenue was 1.04 trillion rubles, net profit – 40 billion rubles and tax payments to the budgets of all levels exceeded 138 billion rubles

Media contact:
Ekaterina Nikoforova
+7 (917) 553-46-49
e.a.nikiforova@kalashnikovconcern.ru