As Ukraine seeks to modernize its military and align more closely with Western standards, the adoption of the M4 carbine, a shorter, lighter version of the M16, marks a step toward interoperability with NATO forces.
Ukraine’s military has long relied on Soviet-designed Kalashnikov rifles, such as the AK-47 and AK-74. These weapons are renowned for their durability and simplicity.
This change, however, has not been without its difficulties. One significant challenge has been the limited supply of ammunition during training.
Reports indicate that soldiers initially received only about 100 rounds of M4 ammunition per day for practice, far less than needed for effective skill development. In contrast, there was no such shortage of their trusted Kalashnikov rifles.
This issue is part of a larger, more urgent reality for Ukraine’s military.
The Atlantic Council reports that while Ukraine’s defense industry capacity is projected to reach US$35 billion in 2025, a significant increase from just US$1 billion before the onset of the war, only one-third of the armed forces’ needs are currently met by domestic production, indicating ongoing reliance on foreign assistance.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Ukraine became the world’s largest importer of major arms from 2020 to 2024, accounting for 8.8% of global arms imports.
This surge represents an almost 100-fold increase compared to the previous four-year period. The United States was Ukraine’s primary supplier, providing 45% of these imports.
Reliance on Western aid remains critical, and Ukraine is dependent on supplies of long-range missiles, advanced air defense systems, and other essential weaponry.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has openly acknowledged that U.S. military support is indispensable, emphasizing that Ukraine has “very little chance of survival” without it.
As U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration initiates peace discussions with Russia, the potential reduction in U.S. military support has become a pressing concern for Ukraine.
What Has Propelled The Change?
The shift from Kalashnikov rifles to M4 carbines among Ukrainian special operations forces is largely driven by Ukraine’s need to modernize its military and align with NATO standards.
The M4 carbines use 5.56×45 mm NATO rounds, making them compatible with Western ammunition supplies and ensuring better interoperability with allied forces
Ukraine has long depended on Soviet-designed weaponry due to its historical association with the former Soviet Union. Its efforts to modernize its military small arms have included both partnerships with foreign manufacturers and reliance on Western military aid.
In 2017, Ukroboronservice, a Ukrainian state-owned defense firm, partnered with Aeroscraft, a U.S.-based company, to develop the M4-WAC47, a modular rifle designed to fire NATO-standard 5.56×45 mm rounds and Soviet-era 7.62×39 mm ammunition.
This project was intended to facilitate Ukraine’s transition to NATO-caliber weapons while allowing continued use of existing Soviet-era ammunition supplies.
According to reports, Ukraine produced a small batch of M4-WAC47 rifles in 2018 for testing by its armed forces; however, the extent of its production and deployment remains unclear.
Despite these efforts, Ukraine has continued to depend on U.S. military aid for standard M4 carbines.
AK-47 vs. M4 Comparison
The AK-47 was developed in the late 1940s in the Soviet Union as a simple, rugged, and mass-producible assault rifle. It was designed to function reliably in harsh conditions with minimal maintenance, making it ideal for large armies with varying levels of training.
The rifle fires 7.62×39 mm ammunition, which is heavier, allowing it to penetrate barriers more effectively. However, this added power comes at the cost of increased recoil and reduced accuracy over longer distances.
In contrast, the M4 carbine was introduced in the 1980s as a modern, lightweight alternative to older rifles used by Western forces. Based on the M16, the M4 was designed for mobility, precision, and adaptability.
It fires the 5.56×45 mm NATO round, which is smaller and faster, offering greater accuracy and less recoil. This differs from the Kalashnikovs, which are designed to fire 7.62×39 mm rounds. This makes the M4 more effective for sustained automatic fire and allows soldiers to carry more ammunition.
The rifle is also highly modular, meaning it can be customized with attachments such as scopes, grips, and suppressors, providing greater flexibility for different combat scenarios.
However, the contrast between the AK-47’s heavier rounds and the M4’s lighter, more accurate ammunition has played out in real-world combat scenarios.
During the U.S. war in Afghanistan, American soldiers armed with M4 carbines often encountered Taliban fighters using AK-47s. The AK-47’s 7.62×39 mm rounds allowed them to penetrate barriers and body armor more effectively, though at the cost of higher recoil. This led to debates within the U.S. military about whether to adopt larger-caliber weapons to match the firepower of their adversaries.
Reliability
One of the biggest differences between the two rifles is reliability. The AK-47 is known for its ability to function in extreme conditions, including mud, sand, and freezing temperatures. Its simple design means it can continue to operate even when exposed to dirt and debris.
This reliability has made it one of the most widely used assault rifles in the world. The M4, on the other hand, is a more refined weapon that requires regular cleaning and maintenance to function properly. Its tighter tolerances make it more susceptible to malfunctions if not maintained correctly, particularly in dusty or wet environments.
Accuracy
Accuracy is another key factor when comparing the two rifles. The AK-47 is effective up to 300 meters but becomes less precise at longer distances due to its heavier round and basic sighting system. It was designed for close-to-mid-range combat, where power and volume of fire were more important than pinpoint accuracy.
The M4, in contrast, has an effective range of up to 500 meters and is designed for precision shooting. Its lighter ammunition and advanced optics options allow for more accurate targeting, making it better suited for engagements requiring long-range effectiveness.
Weight and Handling
The AK-47 is a heavier weapon, around 4.3 kg when loaded, making it more cumbersome to carry for long periods. Its durability and reliability come at the expense of added weight.
The M4, by comparison, is significantly lighter at around 3.3 kg when loaded, making it easier for soldiers to maneuver, especially in urban combat environments where quick reactions and mobility are crucial.
The lighter weight also reduces fatigue, allowing soldiers to operate effectively over extended engagements. This flexibility makes the M4 more adaptable to different combat roles, from standard infantry engagements to special operations missions.
As for the soldiers, their preferences often lean toward what is practical and effective in combat.
Many soldiers have traditionally preferred the familiar Kalashnikov due to its reliability in harsh conditions and ease of maintenance.
However, others recognize the benefits of the M4 carbine, such as its lighter weight, accuracy, and compatibility with NATO ammunition, which could make logistical support more streamlined in the long run.
In an interview with Business Insider, a Ukrainian special operator with the nickname Harley from the 4th Ranger Regiment described the transition from Soviet-era Kalashnikov rifles to American M4 carbines.
“But when a rifle shows results, it quickly changes your mind to it,” Harley said.
He also highlighted the initial challenges due to limited ammunition for training.
“When you don’t train well, it’s difficult for you in operations,” he explained. “Of course, in operations, no one limited us to ammunition, and we had as much ammunition as we wanted. But it was during training that, at first, we did not have enough ammunition to prepare properly and raise our hits to the level required.”
Harley added that the situation has since improved, stating, “Now this situation has changed; we have everything available. We have raised our level of proficiency with this weapon.”
Despite the initial training and ammunition challenges, Ukrainian special operators have adapted to the M4 and are now proficient with it. However, Ukraine’s reliance on Western military aid remains a significant factor in its defense strategy.
The real question remains whether Ukraine can sustain this modernization effort amidst dwindling U.S. support and uncertainty over future military aid.
- By: ET DESK
- Mail us at: editor (at) eurasiantimes.com
