Russian Federation Medal "Mikhail Kalashnikov"

[TacHel]

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu recently signed an order establishing 3 new ministerial medals, one of which will be named the "Mikhail Kalashnikov" medal.

The "Kalashinokov medal" will be awarded to engineers, designers, military and civilian personnel of the army, for achievements in the development, manufacture and deployment of military equipment. (confirmed by news of the DefMin press office)

A medal and a prize bearing the same name (Mikhail Kalashnikov) already exists in the (post Soviet) Republic of Udmurtia. It is a professional award aimed at encouraging and recognizing outstanding service by groups or individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of science and technology in the field of engineering. The award was established in 1999 by the Udmurt Republic's Union of Scientific and Engineering departments.

This year, (oddly enough), the organizing committee decided to award the prize to President Vladimir Putin.

Below is a photo of the (soon to disapear?) award, of the Udmunrt Republic.

Edited April 18, 2014 by TacHel

[TacHel]

Just found a drawing of the new "Kalashnikov" medal on the Russian Gazette. As other Defense Ministry awards bearing the name of a general or admiral, it will bear the honoree's bust.

Edited April 18, 2014 by TacHel

[Paul R]

Any medal with a rifle on it is a cool one! Thanks for sharing this Frank!

[TacHel]

Establishment order of the minister of defense #221 dated 5 April 2014 found and translated, it reads:

"Awarded to military and civilian personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as well as to employees of the military-industrial complex of the Russian Federation, to industrial production and scientific research organizations for excellence in innovation in the design, manufacture and commissioning of modern weapons and military equipment."

[TacHel]

Here she is straight from Moscow.

CLICK ON PIC FOR FULL SIZE IMAGE