The ASH-78 (Automatiku Shqiptar 78) is an Albanian assault rifle developed in the 1970s as a licensed variant of the Chinese Type 56, itself modeled after the Soviet AKM. Chambered in 7.62×39mm, the ASH-78 was produced in Albania's Gramësh factory and used by the Albanian People's Army and later the Albanian Armed Forces.

The ASH-78 was developed in Albania in 1978 during a period of isolation from Western and Eastern military powers. It was intended to provide the Albanian military with a reliable, domestically produced firearm based on the design of the Chinese Type 56.^[1]

The Albanian ASH-78 is a variant of the AK family of rifles, specifically modeled after the Chinese Type 56. The design was heavily influenced by the Chinese AK models because Albania had close ties with China during the Cold War, particularly after its split from the Soviet Union.

• Caliber: 7.62×39mm
• Weight: Approximately 3.8 kg
• Length: 882 mm
• Magazine capacity: 30 rounds
• Effective range: 300–400 meters

• **Tip-1**: Standard ASH-78 rifle
• **Tip-2**: Heavy-barrel version for sustained fire
• **Tip-3**: Equipped with grenade launcher capability

The ASH-78 was produced at the KM Poliçan & Gramësh factories in Albania. Production began in 1978 and continued through the 1980s.^[2]

The ASH-78 is considered to have moderate accuracy, in line with similar AK-pattern rifles. It is capable of effective fire at ranges of 300 to 400 meters.

The ASH-78 was used primarily by the Albanian military but has found its way into other hands during conflicts in the Balkans.

•  Albania
• Kosovo Liberation Army

The ASH-78 was used during the Kosovo War, the Yugoslav Wars, and other regional conflicts in the 1990s. During the Albanian civil unrest of 1997, many ASH-78 rifles were looted and distributed among civilian groups.

The ASH-78 remains a symbol of Albanian self-reliance during its Cold War isolation. Though no longer in use by official military forces, it has a place in Albanian military history.

• 
  Ash-78 copy of Type 56.
• 
  Ash-78 tip 2.
• 
  Albanian soldier with Ash-78.