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The Z111 Factory (Vietnamese: Nhà máy Z111), formally registered as the 11 Precise Mechanical One Member Liability Company (Vietnamese: Công ty TNHH MTV Cơ khí chính xác 11, lit. '11th Precise Mechanical One Member LLC'),[1] is a state-owned firearms and precision mechanics factory located in Thanh Hoá, Vietnam.[2]
The Z111 Factory was built in 1957, and was originally called "Z1 Factory".[3] A part of this factory named Factory 1 was built by the Israeli firearms company, Israel Weapon Industries (IWI).
Built in 1957 under the name "Z1 Factory", the factory became a cradle of the small arms industry in Vietnam.[5] 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.[2][6] They are known to be used by Vietnamese special forces personnel and officers from the Vietnam Coast Guard[7] due to its compact size.[8]
On February 3, 2014, IWI entered into an agreement with Vietnam to produce the IWI ACE under license.[9] Production was made in a joint production facility.[citation needed]
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.[17]
In 2019, the factory revealed the new STV rifles, the STV-215 and the STV-380. Both of them were designated to be the new standard-issue rifles for the Vietnam People's Army. IWI Jericho 941 pistols were also reported being manufactured.[18]
In 2020, the factory revealed two more variants of the STV rifles, called the STV-410 and the STV-416.[19][20]
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]
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.[27][28]
Modernized production is designated as the ĐN7L. It is the standard issued machine gun for the PAVN.[30] New copies are made with a modern plastic stock and grip, and includes a picatinny rail for a sight on top. Older copies are also being modernized with the same features.
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.[27]
