Weapons explained
What each weapon type is, what it does and which countries have the most.
Infantry
Assault rifle
The standard personal weapon of the modern soldier: a rifle that can fire single shots or bursts. The Kalashnikov (AK-47) family and its co…
Shoulder-fired air defence (MANPADS)
Man-portable air-defence systems: small heat-seeking missiles fired from a soldier's shoulder at low-flying aircraft, helicopters and drone…
Special forces
Small, highly selected and intensively trained units that carry out raids, hostage rescue, reconnaissance behind enemy lines and counter-te…