Ukrainian Fort | 230A 9mm Suppressed | From IWA 2024, Nuremburg, Germany

We are at IWA in Nuremburg, Germany one of the best arms expos in the world, examining some of the interesting firearms vendors are showcasing. Because of IWA’s location in Germany, European arms vendors are over-represented, especially compared to the SHOT show.

Here was an interesting firearm that I was not familiar with but was greatly impressed by. It is Fort 230A 9mm (“Fort” is the Science Industrial Associated of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine). After handling and closely examining it, it’s clear the Fort is beautifully manufactured. The fit and finish were top-notch.

There’s not a lot of revolutionary changes that are incorporated into the Fort 230A; it can be thought of as a modernized Uzi 9mm. Like the Uzi, it is a basic direct-blowback submachinegun that has modern materials and manufacturing incorporated into it (extruded aluminum upper with polymer lower, very popular design right now in Europe) as well as a top rail for optics and backup sights. There are also QD attachment points for slings.

Overall I came away quite impressed with this gun. Unfortunately, Ukraine is heavily restricted from sending firearm parts to the US. As a result, it is unlikely that a semi-auto pistol version of this will be able to make it the US.