The video takes place at IWA 2025 in Nuremberg, Germany, described as a European counterpart to SHOT Show. The host from Classic Firearms meets with Konstantin from FORT to look at the FORT-230 compact 9x19mm firearm. It is clearly distinguished from the MP7, though it fills a similar compact role and is chambered in 9x19mm. Konstantin explains that the FORT-230 is now in serial production and is already in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard of Ukraine. The gun has been assigned a NATO stock number, allowing use within military formations and other law enforcement and NATO-related organizations.
Konstantin details the external features of the FORT-230. It uses steel adjustable front and rear sights produced by FORT, which can be collapsed down when not needed. A Picatinny rail on the top allows mounting of additional sighting devices. The firearm has a metal telescopic buttstock with three fixed positions to adjust length. The FORT-230 feeds from proprietary double-stack magazines made by FORT, offered in 20-round and 30-round capacities. The host briefly shows the 20-round magazine and notes that the 30-round version is also available, emphasizing that both are specific to this platform.
The FORT-230 features a double-sided fire selector lever with three positions: safe, semi-automatic, and continuous fire. Konstantin points out multiple sling attachment options, including three QD sling swivel ports at the rear of the firearm and two standard sling attachment points toward the front. The charging handle is reversible and can be installed on either the right or left side, making the gun more suitable for both left-handed and right-handed shooters. The receiver includes slots around the barrel area to aid in barrel ventilation during intensive firing, acknowledging that the gun is capable of rapid strings of fire and can heat up quickly during sustained use.
Moving forward on the gun, Konstantin shows a dedicated FORT front grip that offers four different positions of adjustment, allowing the user to choose a preferred grip angle or length. The barrel is currently fitted with a muzzle brake and compensator to help manage recoil and muzzle rise during fast firing. He notes that the barrel is also designed to accept a suppressor using a quick-attach and quick-detach mechanism, enabling rapid installation and removal. The host imagines firing the FORT-230 with a suppressor and comments on how appealing that configuration would be, though it is not available for them to shoot at the show.
Konstantin explains that the FORT-230 uses a special protective coating on its metal components. He points to the gray finish on the magazine, charging handle, and sling attachment points as examples. This coating is described as extremely durable and strong, chosen to prevent rust and damage under battlefield conditions. FORT began using this coating to ensure that weapons remain functional despite exposure to rain, snow, swampy environments, and other harsh elements. Konstantin links this durability to the needs of Ukrainian soldiers currently using the weapon in combat, emphasizing that the coating helps maintain reliability during ongoing operations against Russian military forces.
When asked about performance and testing, Konstantin states that the FORT-230 has undergone normal testing and has proven to be very reliable, continuing to function under sustained use. He describes the firearm as compact and not very long, making it comfortable to move with and to shoot from different positions. He suggests it is well suited for tank crews, medical teams, helicopter crews, paratroopers, and similar roles where a shorter weapon system is advantageous. In contrast to the MP7’s piston system, the FORT-230 uses a blowback-operated system. Both Konstantin and the host note that blowback systems are known for reliability, reinforcing the platform’s intended role as a dependable compact 9x19mm weapon.
Toward the end of the conversation, the host asks about the possibility of the FORT-230 coming to the United States. Konstantin explains that the current focus is on Ukraine’s needs and that any broader export or civilian plans would be considered only after a Ukrainian victory. He mentions that FORT is thinking about how to create a civilian version of the platform in the future. The hope is that, once circumstances allow, a civilian-legal variant could eventually be brought to the U.S. market for testing and use there. For now, the FORT-230 remains a military and law enforcement weapon primarily used by Ukrainian forces.
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