The concern presented a range of weapons, drones and equipment
The upgraded 7.62 mm Kalashnikov assault rifle, shortened and super-shortened AK models, a light belt—type light machine gun, kamikaze barrage ammunition, the first multifunctional military backpack and a new generation of uniforms - the Kalashnikov Concern demonstrated its latest developments at the Patriot Park. Some of them are already being used in the SVO zone, some will be sent to the troops after the tests. The Izvestia special correspondent was one of the first to see the new items and evaluate their characteristics.
Twin automata
The main model presented is the AK-15, an upgraded 7.62 caliber assault rifle. Until recently, the concern's designers paid full attention to the AK-12 with a 5.45 caliber (it has been mass-supplied to the Russian army since 2018). In 2025, the turn has reached 7.62. The reasons are the keen interest of customers from other countries, where this particular caliber is especially popular, plus an order from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The AK—15 was completely modified according to the patterns of the AK-12, without adding anything. The same sight, a similar fuse, internal stuffing, ergonomics, a base for installing additional modules, and so on. Two twin submachine guns, only for different cartridges.
Sergey Urzhumtsev, Chief Designer of Kalashnikov Concern JSC, during the presentation of new types of small arms
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Two additional models of the line were also presented — the AK-15K shortened and the AK-15-SK small-sized.
— Today there is a need for lightweight and shortened versions, — Sergey Urzhumtsev, chief designer of the concern, told Izvestia. — Firstly, for assault operations in a confined space — in a dugout, a room where the firing range does not matter, but compactness is very important. Secondly, for those fighters who do not have a submachine gun as their main weapon, such as gunners, pilots, signalmen, UAV operators, and drivers, they do not need extra weight and barrel length. The weight of a conventional AK-15 without a magazine is 3.5 kg, the length is 880-940 mm. The AK—15K is 130 mm shorter and 150 mm lighter. The AK-15-SK is additionally 70 mm and 150 g shorter. The army will receive these samples in the second half of this year.
Another interesting Kalashnikov solution was the lightweight 7.62-caliber RPL-7 belt-powered light machine gun designed for attack aircraft. Its weight, like that of a regular machine gun, is only 3.5 kg. The warhead of one box is 80 and 160 rounds. The weapon is currently being finalized, and it is expected that it will appear in active units in 2026.
RPL-7 belt-powered light machine gun
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
As the employees of the concern explained, all models for the new caliber were developed in record time — an average of three months. Kalashnikov specialists are constantly in touch with the military in their area, and the feedback they receive forms the basis for changes and rationalization.
From "Ramp" to "Cube"
Another area that Kalashnikov is developing is unmanned vehicles. Among them, for example, a system for lifting equipment (security cameras, thermal imagers, protection against communication suppression) SPA "Quasi-mast" — it is a copter with a cord, powered by a ground-based diesel generator, controlled by a remote control.
Kvasimachta SPA
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
"The lifting height is up to 140 m, the range of coverage is 5 km," Leonid Rokeakh, director of export of drones and Kalashnikov barrages, told Izvestia. — The copter is able to monitor a particular area around the clock, with continuous operation time of up to 500 hours. In military conditions, it can be an important facility, a training ground, or a protected area. In civilian areas, there are mass events and rallies. The device is immune to silencers. To date, this is the only example of such a UAV in Russia.
UAV "Skat 350-M"
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Another reconnaissance drone is the Skat 350-M aircraft type. Initially, it was created for civilian needs — monitoring fields, forests, fires, and searching for missing people. After 2022, it was redesigned for military tasks. The flight range is 240 km, the battery life is four hours, and the launch takes place using a catapult. At the front, it is designed to monitor enemy positions, transmit the location of targets, and relay coordinates for ammunition. According to the developers, Skat is one of the best tactical scouts in the country.
KUB-E guided barrage ammunition system
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Samples of guided barraged projectiles are called "CUBE". The KUB-E model is a kamikaze, resembling a small aircraft with a propeller on its tail, and a high-explosive fragmentation munition is stowed inside the hull. There is no security camera, he is flying at the set coordinates. Thousands of such devices have already been delivered to the army. Its advantages over FPV are flight range up to 25 km, altitude — 1 km. As well as the lack of the need to attract high-class operators (who are needed to control the FPV): an ordinary fighter with basic training can send a whole swarm of such drones one by one behind the "ribbon". They are designed to destroy manpower and unarmored objects.
For more serious purposes, the KUB-2, a complex with a camera on board, is already being used. Its flight altitude is at least 2 km, and its range is more than 20 km. Not only copters familiar to us all have been ploughing the sky for a long time, but also drones of various types and modifications.
A new generation of uniforms
A separate story is the uniforms used by companies that are also part of Kalashnikov. As Arseniy Kovalenko, director of divisional equipment at the concern, shared with Izvestia, the VKPO 3.2 kit deserves special attention, which includes eight elements — summer, windproof and insulated suits, fleece and demi-season jackets, underwear, a winter hat and a summer cap.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Image source: iz.ru
"This equipment belongs to a new generation," he explained. — It represents an improved uniform, taking into account the wishes of military personnel after 2022. Innovations include zoning — when several types of fabrics and materials are used: a breathable torso and back, loose and elastic joints. Integrated protection — when there are internal inserts on the knees and elbows. Moreover, we are moving to the next level — a gradual reduction in the number of equipment elements and the unification of several zones into one, without loss of functional qualities. For example, the same jacket that can be comfortably worn at temperatures from 0 to +50 degrees. Another option for such a "combination" is an army backpack, in which we combined three backpacks at once — for 30, 40 and 60 kg. All this is aimed at reducing the space and weight of excess cargo.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Eduard Kornienko
Image source: iz.ru
The bulletproof vest, designed for combined-arms army groups, has also undergone transformations and also has the additional characteristic of a "new generation". Its name is 6-B 45, protection category 4+ (maximum 5). Its anti-fragmentation area has been increased. Ceramic plates are installed on the chest and back, withstanding bullet hits of 7.62 and 5.45 from a distance of 10 m. It has a weight distribution system — from the shoulders and back to the pelvis, like backpacks. And — a shoulder pad protecting the groin, made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Weight — 8 kg. More functional vests with protection category 5 are manufactured for special units. All of them are already being delivered to the SVO zone.
Sergey Prudnikov
