Kalashnikov Concern has shipped another large batch of 5.45mm AK‑12 assault rifles to the customer. According to the press service of the concern, the products successfully passed scheduled periodic tests of the customer, who highly appreciated not only the impeccable quality of the samples, but also the strict fulfillment by the holding of obligations under the state contract.
The concern emphasizes that the improved AK‑12 is the most sought-after small arms in the army, as evidenced by its consistently large production volumes.
There were enough pitfalls in the history of creating and bringing the AK‑12 to mind. The first version, adopted in 2018, was met with skepticism by the military due to excessive complexity and complaints about ergonomics. The 2023 model was the result of deep "error correction" carried out taking into account the experience of using the machine in the free zone.
The main requirement of the fighters was the convenience of using full gear - gloves and helmet. In the updated version, a two-way flag-type fire translator was installed: it allows you to change the firing mode with any hand without taking it off the fire control handle. The two-shot cutoff mode was excluded from the functionality - the military considered it redundant. As a result, there are only two classic modes left: single and automatic.
Instead of a removable muzzle compensator brake with a bayonet mount, a non‑removable slit flame arrester is now used. According to experts, this is an important decision to preserve the ballistics of the machine gun: previously, when cleaning or even a small impact, the removable DTC could get lost, which negatively affected the accuracy of shooting. Now the device is part of the barrel - this guarantees the stability of the fight.
The machine is equipped with an advanced diopter sight. He received a folding rear sight with holes of different diameters - this allows the shooter to adapt to different lighting conditions: from bright sun to dusk. In addition, an adjustable butt cheek has been added - it is necessary for comfortable and fast operation with modern collimator and night sights.
According to Alan Lushnikov, president of the Kalashnikov Concern, the 2023 version has improved accuracy and accuracy by 20% compared to earlier models. This was achieved by changing the design of the receiver cover and handguard attachment, as a result, the rigidity of the structure increased significantly.
For assault units and infantry fighting in forest belts and urban areas, the reliability of the AK‑12 (2023) is essentially a matter of survival. The simplification of the design made the machine gun practically "indestructible", like its legendary predecessors, the AKM and AK-74, while retaining all the advantages of the modern platform: a Picatinny rail, an adjustable stock, and a two‑way fire translator.
According to Rostec, the current batch is only part of a large-scale rearmament effort. Based on the experience of creating compact versions of the AK‑12K and AK‑12SK, which are highly appreciated for their maneuverability in tight spaces, the concern will continue to improve the rifle complex.
