Z111 Factory

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The Z111 Factory (Vietnamese: Nhà máy Z111) is a state-owned small arms factory located in Thanh Hoá, Vietnam.^[1]

The Z111 Factory was built in 1957, and was originally called "Z1 Factory".^[2] A part of this factory named Factory 1 was built by the Israeli firearms company, Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). It is wholly owned by the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence, and the factory produces arms for the People's Army of Vietnam. ^[1][3]

History[]

Built in 1957 under the name "Z1 Factory", the factory became a cradle of the small arms industry in Vietnam.^[4] Z1 factory specialized in producing small arms for the Vietnam People's Army during the Vietnam War, and created locally modified firearms for its army, such as the K-50M submachine gun based on the PPSh-41 and MAT-49.

One of the weapons to come from the Z111 Factory is the M18, reconditioned since 2010 from XM177E2s seized during the Vietnam War.^[1][5] They are known to be used by Vietnamese special forces personnel and officers from the Vietnam Coast Guard^[6] due to its compact size.^[7]

On February 3, 2014, IWI entered into an agreement with Vietnam to produce the IWI ACE under license.^[8] Production was made in a joint production facility.^[9]

An improved version of the K-54 pistol^[a] is locally produced under the name of "K14-VN". They are upgraded with an increased capacity of 13 rounds, and a wider grip to incorporate a double stack magazine.^[10][11] Research and development started in 2001.^[12] The K14-VN began to see service with PAVN forces on May 10, 2014.^[13]

In 2015, the Z111 Factory announced that they would produce the new STL-1A rifle.^[14] This would mainly be done through converting and upgrading the old AKMs under the new name, but they would also produce entirely new STL-1A rifles. The updated rifle included: New polymer handguards, a folding buttstock, a new ergonomic pistol grip, and an updated muzzle brake similar to those found on the AK-74.^[15] A notable change was that it also allowed the use of M203 grenade launchers that are also being produced in Vietnam, replacing the GP-25/GP-34 grenade launchers on the original AKMs. The rifle however, still uses the dovetail side-mount for attaching sights. Overall, the rifle highly resembles an AK-103.^[16]

In January 2018, the OSV-96 was reported to be made under license in Vietnam.^{[citation needed]}

In 2019, the factory revealed the new STV Rifles. They are the STV-215, and the STV-380. Both of them were designated to be the new standard issued rifles for the Vietnam People's Army. IWI Jericho 941 pistols were also reported being manufactured.^[17][18]

In 2020, the factory revealed two more variants of the STV rifles, called the STV-410 and the STV-416.^[19][20]

Products[]

Model	Image	Type	Calibre	Notes
Pistols
K14-VN		Semi-automatic pistol	7.62×25mm Tokarev	Vietnamese variant of the K-54, this version is improved with a longer barrel, a rubber grip, and a double-stack magazine that holds an increased capacity of 13 rounds.[10]
IWI Jericho 941		Semi-automatic pistol	9×19mm Parabellum	Pistols are manufactured with a steel frame.[21]
Assault Rifles
M18		Carbine	5.56×45mm NATO	Reconditioned version of the CAR-15, it is used by special forces and marines.[22]
IWI ACE 31/32		Assault rifle	7.62×39mm	Manufactured under IWI license, all rifles produced here have their charging handle relocated from the left side onto the right side. There are rumors that production has ceased in favor of the new Vietnamese designed STV Rifles.[23]
STV-215		Assault rifle	7.62×39mm	Standard issued rifle. Carbine version with a 215mm barrel length.[17]
STV-380		Assault rifle	7.62×39mm	Standard issued rifle for Vietnam People's Army. Based on IWI ACE and STL-1A. See STV Rifles for more.[24]
STV-410		Assault rifle	7.62×39mm	Handguard, Gas Block, and Stock adjustments. 410mm barrel. See STV-410 for more info.[19][20]
STV-416		Assault rifle	7.62x39mm	Handguard, Gas Block, and Stock adjustments. See STV-416 for more info.[20]
STL-1A		Assault rifle	7.62×39mm	Old AKMs are converted into the STL-1A[15]
AK-47		Assault rifle	7.62×39mm	Vietnamese upgrade[citation needed]
AKN		Assault rifle	7.62×39mm	Vietnamese version of KM-AK, comes with a Bakelite plastic stock, handguard, and grips[25]
Submachine Guns
STL-15		Submachine gun	9×19mm Parabellum	Locally produced with industrial name SN9P and officially called the STL-15. It is the Vietnamese-produced version of the PP-19 Bizon. It comes with a Galil-style stock and is chambered in 9x19mm.[26][27]
Micro Uzi		Submachine gun	9×19mm Parabellum	Manufactured and supplied to the PAVN.[28]
Uzi Pro		Submachine gun	9×19mm Parabellum	Manufactured and supplied to the PAVN.[28]
Machine Guns
IWI Negev		Light machine gun	5.56×45mm NATO	Manufactured and supplied to the PAVN.[28]
PKM		General-purpose machine gun	7.62×54mmR	Produced as the standard issue machine gun.[29]
NSV		Heavy machine gun	12.7×108mm	Standard for tank-mounted machine guns.[16]
Sniper Rifles
IWI Galatz		Sniper rifle	7.62×51mm	Manufactured and supplied to the PAVN.[28]
OSV-96		Anti-materiel rifle	12.7×108mm	Made under license with the industrial name of SBT12M1.[citation needed]
KSVK		Anti-materiel rifle	12.7×108mm	Vietnamese self-designed. Features modifications to suit the local conditions.[28]
Grenade-Based Weapons
OPL40M / T-40		Grenade launcher	40mm grenade	A Vietnamese-designed grenade launcher. Based on the M203 grenade launcher, except it uses a lever instead of a trigger. Commonly mounted onto the AKN, STV-215/380/410, and IWI ACE 32 rifles.[26]

See also[]

• List of equipment of the Vietnam People's Ground Forces

Notes[]

References[]