The weapon was created taking into account the wishes of the fighters performing tasks in their area.
This year, assault units and paratroopers will receive a shortened version of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the AK—12K. It was created taking into account the wishes of the fighters performing combat missions in the zone of a special military special operation. Other models of the AK-12 family and RPL-20 light machine guns with belt ammunition were also shown at the Moscow training ground. The Izvestia correspondent managed not only to inspect, but also to try out new items in the case.
New line-up
For the first time, the Kalashnikov Concern introduced a whole line of small arms with a 5.45 cartridge. The new submachine guns and machine guns were introduced at the Patriot shooting range near Moscow.
Alan Lushnikov, General Director of the Kalashnikov Concern
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Pavel Volkov
— We must give our customers the best solution for their combat missions. The 5.45 caliber has all possible form factors, including a machine gun," Alan Lushnikov, General Director of the Kalashnikov Concern, said at the presentation of the new line of weapons.
The RPL-20 machine guns were presented in two main versions: full—size for arming infantry units and compact with a shortened barrel for assault and amphibious units.
In addition, the 2023 AK-12 assault rifle was demonstrated, modified based on the experience of use during a special military operation. And two of its new modifications.
RPL-20 machine gun
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Pavel Volkov
The first of them is a shortened AK-12K for assault units. This machine has received improved technical, ergonomic and operational characteristics that meet the requirements of modern combat.
— The compact automaton appeared as a product based on feedback, — noted Alan Lushnikov. — During assault operations, a full-size machine gun is not so convenient, while the effective range of the shot during assault operations is reduced. Compactness and convenience are more important here.
Sergey Urzhumtsev, chief designer of the small arms concern, confirmed that for certain units, the dimensions of the machine gun are the main criterion.
AK-12, AK-12K and AK-12SK assault rifles
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Pavel Volkov
"Receiving feedback from the troops, we came to the conclusion that unification does not fully meet the tasks and requirements of modern small arms," he explained. — And if the basic AK-12 combined arms assault rifle is well suited for combatant combined arms units, then assault weapons should be somewhat different.
According to him, this message was the reason for the development of a machine gun for stormtroopers.
— This variation of the machine gun was actively tested by the military last year, as a result of which the Ministry of Defense formed an order for a fairly large batch — it should enter the army in the spring of this year, — said Sergey Urzhumtsev.
The Kalashnikov concern also showed a small-sized AK-12SK for the same 5.45 caliber cartridge.
Sergey Urzhumtsev, Chief Designer of the Small Arms Concern
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Pavel Volkov
"This is a further reduction in the mass and overall characteristics of the base sample," explained Sergey Urzhumtsev. — It has overall characteristics commensurate with the AKS-74U assault rifle, while it is designed on the basis of the main AK-12 assault rifle. The novelty has received all the basic options that allow you to install additional equipment from the basic machine. Such as grips, magazines, sights, low-noise shooting devices, and others.
The AK-12SK is intended for those for whom small arms are not the main type of weapon.
— These are UAV operators, driver mechanics and others, who primarily need compactness and the ability to place the machine in some compartments and stacks, - said Sergey Urzhumtsev.
Shooting in a confined space
After the presentation of the weapon, the Izvestia correspondent was able to compare the upgraded AK-12, which is now being actively supplied to the troops, with its new shortened version for assault units. Special glasses and earplugs were provided before the shooting. Then the instructors equipped the weapon and fired a couple dozen rounds from each machine gun.
The assault rifle turned out to be much more convenient — it was easier to transfer fire from target to target with it, hands get less tired, and movements become more abrupt. It's easier to put this machine gun on your back and reload it.
AK-12K assault rifle
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Pavel Volkov
Moreover, when shooting at close range, there was no difference in the accuracy of the weapon's combat — approximately the same number of targets were hit.
"It's a good machine gun," said one of the instructors in charge of shooting training.
Before that, he demonstrated working with a shortened AK with a buggy. The new machine gun allows you to fire from the car itself, and it's easier to work with it because of artificial obstacles.
It seems that our stormtroopers will really find it much more convenient to operate in the ruins of buildings and structures, narrow trenches and dugouts of strong points. And it is in such conditions that most of the battles on the line of contact are currently taking place.
The first batches of the 5.45 caliber small arms line are actively used in military units in the free zone, which helps developers draw conclusions about the reliability of systems and work for the future.
5.45 caliber cartridges
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Pavel Volkov
The new weapon, according to the developers, gets good reviews.
— I will quote the words of one of the commanders: "Where were you before? If we had had it back then, perhaps the result would have been completely different," said Sergey Urzhumtsev.
In addition, the Kalashnikov concern showed new low-noise firing devices for new assault rifles. According to Sergei Urzhumtsev, starting this year they will en masse join the army. They allow you to avoid flashes when shooting, and also reduce the volume of the shot.
Bogdan Stepovoy
