Russia preparing new AK-12+ rifle for serial production

Kalashnikov Concern unveiled a mock-up of its new AK-12+ assault rifle at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, presenting a 5.45mm weapon built for improved shooting precision.

The rifle is on display in the Voin Center pavilion at the Far East Street exhibition, part of the 11th Eastern Economic Forum, running September 1-4 on the campus of Far Eastern Federal University.

Kalashnikov, part of the state defense conglomerate Rostec, said the weapon is now being prepared for serial production. The company described the AK-12+ as a high-precision small-arms system built on the existing AK-12 platform, intended primarily for special forces units.

The system was developed under the supervision of Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, the company said.

The AK-12+ carries a thicker barrel than the standard AK-12, with a threaded muzzle designed to accept a flash suppressor or a muzzle brake. Kalashnikov modified the rifle’s mechanical sights and widened the contour of the gas cylinder to match the new barrel profile. Fittings previously used to attach a sling swivel, an underbarrel grenade launcher and a bayonet have been removed. The mock-up shown in Vladivostok featured an extended stock.

The rifle will also carry electro-optical sights. Kalashnikov said the sights are meant to improve accuracy at medium range in both daytime and nighttime conditions.

At the forum, Kalashnikov and the Voin Center signed a cooperation agreement. Under the deal, the two organizations will jointly develop engineering skills among the center’s cadets and expand the material and technical resources at its regional branches.

The Voin Center, formally the Center for Military-Sports Training and Patriotic Education of Youth, was created on presidential order in 2023. It trains teenagers aged 14 to 18 and reservists aged 18 to 35, and now operates branches in more than 20 Russian regions.

Kalashnikov already produces several variants of the AK-12 platform. The baseline AK-12 is chambered in 5.45x39mm, weighs about 3.6 kg (7.9 pounds) unloaded, has a 415 mm (16.3 inch) barrel and fires at a cyclic rate of roughly 700 rounds per minute. The family also includes the AK-15, chambered in 7.62x39mm, and the export-oriented AK-19, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.

Source: Defence Blog