Russia has completed the construction of an ammunition factory in Maracay, Venezuela, designed to produce cartridges for Kalashnikov assault rifles. The plant, built by the Russian state arms corporation Rostec and its subsidiary Rosoboronexport, is capable of producing up to 70 million rounds annually of 7.62 mm ammunition. This development marks the fulfillment of a nearly two-decade-old geopolitical project initiated under former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. The factory's first phase includes four production lines and aims to enhance Venezuela's defense capabilities significantly. The establishment of this facility also represents a strategic move by Russia to strengthen military cooperation with Venezuela and ensure a steady supply of Kalashnikov ammunition in the Western Hemisphere, despite international sanctions. The project experienced delays due to political and economic challenges in both countries but has now reached operational status, positioning Venezuela as the first country in the Americas to host a Kalashnikov ammunition manufacturing plant.