The STL-1A (also called the STL-A1) rifle is a prototype assault rifle made in Vietnam chambered in 7.62×39mm.
== History == It was originally announced in 2015 that the Z111 Factory would begin producing STL-1A rifles in an occasion to celebrate Vietnamese National Day for Vietnamese defense industry accomplishments. At the Indo Defence Expo 2018 event, a new variant which combined the STL-1A and the Galil ACE was announced under the name GK3. Introduced as a technology demonstrator, STL-1A and its variants were not mass produced or issued by the Vietnam People's Army. Instead, the PAV adopted the STV rifles as the new standard issue service rifle.
Design
As the STL-1A is based on the older AKM rifles, the Z-111 Factory would convert AKMs and its variants into the new STL-1A rifles. It also has the ability to produce these new rifles from scratch. Although the rifle itself is an upgrade of the AKM that highly resembles a Vietnamese AK-103, it's upgraded in many areas such as new polymer handguards, folding stock, a new ergonomic pistol grip and muzzle brake based on the AK-74 with side-mounted rails to attach scopes. A suppressor and an M203 underbarrel grenade launcher can be attached to the STL-1A.
Variants
=== STL-1A === Main rifle.
=== STL-1B === STL-1A variant fitted with Picatinny rails.
== See also == STV rifle