The legendary gunman AK-47 Kalashnikov died

On December 23, the Russian press simultaneously reported the legendary designer and 'father' of the famous AK-47 submachine gun, Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov died at the age of 95 after a long period of severe illness. Previously, he was hospitalized due to a diagnosis of stomach bleeding on November 17.

>>> Thefather of the AK-47 must be hospitalized

Immediately after the news, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and many Russian leaders expressed their grief and condolences to Mr. Kalashnikov's family.

Medvedev considered the departure of this legendary weapons designer 'a great loss for the whole of Russia' , and appreciated the life and career that Kakashnikov had devoted to the country, reinforce national security.

Kalashnikov with a legendary rifle (Source: AFP)

And Defense Minister Shoigu honored Kalashnikov as " a prominent citizen, a patriot and a symbol of Russia".

Mr. Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov was born on November 10, 1919 in Kurya Village, Altay Region. He is the author of automatic infantry guns with nearly 150 samples that are 'unequaled' in the past half century and in equipment of over 100 countries around the world.

Particularly the famous submachine model AK-47 (Kalashnikov automatic gun) was built by him in 1947, equipped for Soviet troops two years later, armed with 55-nation military.

AK-47 is also recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most popular weapon, included in the list of outstanding inventions of the twentieth century.

With outstanding contributions, Mikhail Kalashnikov was conferred the title of Russian Hero and twice awarded the title of Soviet Socialist Labor Hero.

His name was also given to Kalashnikov weapons group, which was merged from Russia's Izmash and IMZ corporations.