Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Production of defense industry goods in Azerbaijan increased more than eight-fold in 2005-2013, the Ministry of Defense Industry told Trend news agency on September 19.

As of July 2013, the volume of production by the country's defense enterprises reached 120 million manats.

The largest increase in defense industry production was observed in 2011.

The country's defense industry produced goods worth 154.5 million manats in 2011, which is 80.7 percent more than in 2010.

Furthermore, a positive dynamic was recorded in the product range. As of late July 2013, the country's defense enterprises produced 750 types of goods, which is 67 percent over 2005. For comparison's sake, in 2005 Azerbaijan's defense industry produced 449items.

The official exchange rate for September 19 is 0.7845 AZN (manats) per USD.

Azerbaijan is bolstering its military power and defense capabilities year-on-year. The establishment of the Ministry of Defense Industry has been instrumental in strengthening the defense potential of the country.

The Defense Industry Ministry has created a new post-patrol Gurza machine, equipped with two 7.62 mm caliber weapons, one 12.7 mm caliber machine gun, a new 7.62 x 51mm caliber sniper rifle meeting NATO standards, and a machine gun designed for use in special military operations.

Furthermore, a new reconnaissance vehicle has been produced. This machine is equipped with a 23 mm caliber canon, a 7.62 mm caliber twin machine gun mount, an AQ-17 grenade launcher and other military equipment.

Machine guns, mortar launchers, Zafar-K pistols, AK-74M submachine guns, battle and signal bullets, hand grenades, anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, firearms, and spare parts for armored vehicles are among the goods produced and delivered to the customers.