With no new customers for military sales outside of Russia, Izhmash have been encountering problems of solvency and have in fact declared itself background. While in this mode, they have taken new management to help it tap markets and one big focus is the U.S. civilian market where they're experiencing brisk sales in civilian versions of their AKs and Saigas. With their entry into the airsoft market, they also get to tap a worldwide market of airsoft players who welcome real steel manufacturers offering airsoft versions.

The New York Times have published an article about this growing U.S. market for Kalashnikovs and Saigas which in fact are helping fund the retooling of their factory for it to begin mass manufacturing the AK-12 which was recently adapted by the Russian Armed Forces to be their official rifle... "The sales of civilian rifles in the United States are helping to pay for the factory’s retooling for the AK-12, ultimately making it cheaper for the Kremlin."

Thus, it's ironic that a former Cold War foe is now helping it grow business reflects the changing dynamics in relationships among nations.