Kalashnikov turns 89, a 'happy man' for creating AK-47



by Staff Writers



Moscow (AFP) Nov 10, 2008



Legendary former Russian general Mikhail Kalashnikov, who celebrated his 89th birthday on Monday, said he was a "truly happy man" for having created the iconic assault rifle bearing his name.

"I think I am a truly happy man. I created a weapon for the defence of my country and it continues to serve this cause and develop," Kalashnikov was quoted as saying by the Ria Novosti news agency.

While the Kalashnikov rifle has become the weapon of choice by dozens of armies and guerrillas around the world, the World War II veteran has barely profited financially from the AK-47.

Born in a Siberian village on November 10, 1919, Kalashnikov had a tragic childhood during which his father was deported under Stalin in 1930.

Wounded during combat in 1941, Kalashnikov started working on his rifle in 1947, driven to design by Soviet defeats in the early years of World War II at the hands of far better armed German soldiers.

The Kalashnikov quickly became prized for its sturdy reliability in difficult field conditions.