In 2021, Russia should begin state testing of at least two new types of firearms developed by the Kalashnikov concern. This was announced by the industrial Director of the arms complex of the rostec state Corporation Bekhan Ozdoev.
"Currently, prototypes of the Ugolek sniper complexes are being manufactured, which will be presented for preliminary tests. We plan that the state tests will start at the end of next year. Preliminary tests of the small-sized automatic self-defense AM-17 "kid" have already been completed, they were successful. We plan to transfer the AM-17 to state tests next year. I note that the tactical and technical task was approved by the Ministry of defense, but the interior Ministry and Rosgvardiya also showed interest in this development," Bekhan Ozdoev said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
Earlier, the chief designer of the Kalashnikov concern, Sergey Urzhumtsev, explained that within the framework of the Malysh project, small - sized submachine guns are being developed in two calibers-5.45 and 9 millimeters, which should be about a kilogram lighter than a combined-arms machine gun.
As for the Ugolek project, it is developing a new main rifle for the Russian army, designed to replace the 7.62 mm Dragunov sniper rifle created in the 60s. The key feature of Ugolka will be the use of only Russian materials and components, ammunition and sights.