Kord

The Kord heavy machine gun was developed during the 1990s by A.A. Namitulin, N.M. Obidin, Ju.M. Bogdanov, and V.I. Zhirokhin. Development was necessitated by the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which left the primary production facilities for the previous NSV machine gun in Kazakhstan. The Degtyarev bureau was tasked with creating a replacement that could be manufactured entirely within the Russian Federation. The weapon is produced at the V.A. Degtyarev Plant and entered service with Russian forces in 1998.

The design utilizes a gas-operated action with a rotating bolt, a departure from the horizontally pivoting breech block of the NSV. This revised internal mechanism, combined with a modified gas system and a redesigned muzzle baffle, reduces recoil and increases accuracy during sustained fire. The barrel is constructed from a high-tech alloy designed to minimize thermal distortion and drop. For infantry applications, the weapon is equipped with a bipod, which allows for transport and operation by a single soldier. The firearm employs a linked belt feed system and iron sights, though export versions are manufactured to accommodate NATO-standard ammunition.

Combat deployment of the Kord began in 2001 during the Second Chechen War, where it was utilized for clearing rooftops. It has since seen service in the Russo-Georgian War, the Syrian Civil War, the War in Donbas, and the Russo-Ukrainian War. The Russian Army and MVD are the primary operators, with foreign adoption by Namibia, Syria, and Vietnam. The 6P49 variant is the baseline model for vehicle mounting, while the 6P50 series serves infantry roles. Specific configurations include the 6P50-1 with a bipod mount, the 6P50-3 for maritime use on multipurpose mounts, and the 6P51 co-axial version with a left-hand feed system. The 6C21 variant is integrated into remote weapon stations. Additional versions designated 6P67, 6P68, and 6P69 entered service in 2019.