WWII: machine pistols and submachine guns annual production 1939-1945, by country
Production of machine pistols and submachine guns increased greatly during the Second World War. The Soviet Union produced the largest total number of SMGs throughout the conflict, particularly the PPSh-41, nicknamed papasha (meaning "daddy"), of which it made around six million units. The British also produced around four million STEN submachine guns, which were relatively simple and cheap to make. Of the major powers, the UK produced the largest number of SMGs in relation to its army size.