Zeljko Pavlin, director of HS Produkt, interview
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Article from http://www.hrvatski-vojnik.hr/
CROATIAN ASSAULT RIFLE - VHS new versions for new market
At this point the HS Produkt occupies a one of leading position on the world market in the production of guns, and we believe that in the future, and assault rifle to take a lot more important place in the overall exports. Our customers know that one of us can get a superior product. I believe that now perceive and Croatia as a country of origin quality. At Asda and will officially introduce new versions of our rifles VHS, VHS-official called D2 and VHS-K2. It is a completely new concept that will, we believe, cause the attention of both domestic and international public ...
On the forthcoming international Adriatic military and aerospace exhibition and conference (ASDA) in Split with a special interest in the expected presentation of HS Produkt Karlovac, a world renowned manufacturer of personal weapons. With director HS Produkt Pavlin Zeljko talked about news they intend to present in Split, on future plans, but with the current time and the roots of the company that has grown into a kind of Croatian export phenomenon.
How would you describe your present position on the global market?
At this point the HS Produkt takes very good, indeed a leading position in the manufacture of guns, and I believe that in the future, and assault rifle to take a lot more important place in the overall exports. The arms trade, particularly in the U.S., the government period of expansion and everyone is going relatively well, so we also use that momentum. Of course, a good last year, and just such a current, we will use and to prepare for future development. We do new and significant investments to expand production, the adoption of new technology and new product development. This will continue to provide leadership at a time when there is a decline in demand. To illustrate, we just this year in the purchase of new machines have invested more than 100 million, and in the last four to five years our investments exceeded the sum of 60 million euros.
Have daily contacts abroad. How to explain such a success out of the Croatian?
More than a decade ago, when we were starting to export, and primarily in the U.S., in the foreground is not stressed by the fact that we are from the Croatian. The reason is that Croatia certainly not a reference country that is developing advanced technologies such as Germany, the U.S. or Japan. After some time, when it was obvious that we have a continuity of quality customers for our products, first of all Americans, they began to take an interest and for Croatia. We tried to understand that Croatia should not only be linked to the war, but with a long tradition, developed technical culture ... There we mentioned pen or torpedo.
You mentioned the continuity of quality, it is now for you imply?
Yes, the back four to five years our customers to know that one of us can get a superior product. I believe that now perceive and Croatia as a country of origin quality. Just the fact that Croatia exports statistics now highly ranked in arms exports.
Is there an idea, a vision that is uniquely led by HS Produkt of Croatian war where there is today?
I think it is essential that owners are mechanical engineers and have a background in the manufacturing sector. Formed thoughts like this: We want to be on his own, have your own product and their own development. The motive in particular came to the fore at the beginning of the war, when it is on its own forces depended the survival of the state. Today brings us a challenge, the desire to constantly respond to the question of whether we can develop themselves and be a worthy competitor to the largest.
HS gun has long been your top product, celebrating you. But developing it further ...
What is currently preparing?
Part of our strategy is that we love to surprise the competition, and we usually manage. Here, we have achieved a gun and XDS-45 ACP caliber 3.3 45, this is our fourth model, which won the award for the best gun in the U.S. market.
While others went to alternative routes in production, we have created the smallest large caliber pistol and surprised everyone. So where do we go from here with a gun, let it be a surprise for the customers and for the competition, I can only say that we will continue to use their own knowledge and innovation.
At ASDA-and we still waiting for big news from HS Produkt?
Exactly! At Asda and will officially introduce new versions of our rifles VHS, VHS-official called D2 (long tube) and VHS-K2 (short barrel). Besides them, the future will probably be other versions twos. We believe that the presentation of the cause considerable attention both domestic and global public.
What are the main novelties in this rifle?
We think we have made a serious step forward. VHS-2 will not be upgraded VHS, but a new rifle that will actually represent an entirely new concept! As you know, the manufacturers of rifles decide to either standard or Bullpup design. The latter are applied to the first rifle VHS which is now standard in the Croatian Armed Forces. Each version has its advantages and disadvantages, and we want to connect the best of both. First in the world we create Bullpup version that will be used just like a standard rifle, something that no one has succeeded.
What will make the gun so complete?
Details will only present, but something I will still stand out. Thus, the advantage is that it implies a Bullpup rifle small size with long tubes for improved speed and efficiency of the bullet. On the other hand, the lack of it is what you shooting at the left shoulder sleeve that hinder fly close to the head. It does not exist in standard rifles, but with standard rifles is the lack of large dimensions and the overall balance, which is inadequate for modern warfare. VHS-2 will continue to have a Bullpup design and all of its benefits, but it will smooth the sleeve can shoot with both shoulders. We have changed some parts: fire control, adjustable Breech (butt) ... The rifle is modular and can be decomposed to the smallest parts, it will be possible and replacing pipes, caliber ... However, we should leave something for the official presentation.
And the VHS-2 have collaborated with the MOD and the Croatian Armed Forces?
Of course! We sought expert opinions from the Ministry and units, they show us to what is modern soldier must. Cooperation is going great, can be divided into two parts: MOD helps us in developing and buying our products. It is certain that we are in our early years (the period up to 1998.), When we have not been on the world market, helping to advance to today's level. Today sales MOD does not seem much of our income, but it's still extremely important to us because of references. There is also mentioned in support of development and testing.
Planning a further expansion of the company?
It is known to produce guns, VHS assault rifle and grenade launcher and sniper scope in collaboration with the Institute "Ruder Boskovic". Sighting refine further. We would like to offer a small range of infantry weapons and related equipment for soldiers and police officers. Today you have to offer systems, not individual elements. In any event, we invite all interested parties to ASDA, we believe that they will have to see and find out!
