The AK-12 Kalashnikov assault rifle is an advanced Russian automatic rifle designed to enhance the combat performance of military personnel. The weapon combines the reliability of the traditional Kalashnikov scheme and modern technological solutions with improved ergonomics, accuracy and ease of use. It was created to equip the Russian army and can be used in difficult combat conditions.
Creation Story: The evolution of a legend
The development of the AK-12 began in 2011 as part of a small arms modernization program. The main goal of the project was to replace the outdated AK-74 and AK-74M models with a more advanced version that meets modern combat requirements. The design was carried out by the Kalashnikov Concern, which sought to preserve the key advantages of the conventional Kalashnikov assault rifle by improving its combat and ergonomic characteristics.
The first prototype of the AK-12 was unveiled in 2012. But the tests revealed some shortcomings. Among them were the excessive complexity of the design, the high cost of production and non-compliance with a number of criteria requirements. This led to a significant redesign of the machine gun, which delayed the process of adopting it. For several years, the concern's designers have been refining the machine, simplifying its design, improving handling and increasing reliability.
In 2015, a new version of the AK-12 was introduced, which was retested. As a result, in 2016, the final version of the machine gun was approved, which received support from military specialists. In 2017, the AK-12 was included in the state rearmament program, and in 2018 it was officially adopted by the army. From that moment on, the machine gun began to actively enter the army, replacing older models of small arms. The AK-12 has become the main assault rifle of the Russian army, having gone through a difficult path.
Technical characteristics of the AK-12: innovations and traditions
The AK-12 has a 5.45 mm caliber and a standard length of 880 mm. When folded, the length is 690 mm, which makes it convenient for transportation and use in a confined space. The weight without cartridges is 3.5 kg, and with full ammunition, the weight increases to 4.1 kg. The machine is equipped with new controls, including a two-way fire translator. This improves the user-friendliness for left-handed and right-handed shooters.
The design of the AK-12 provides for Picatinny rails for the installation of various additional devices. These can be collimators or flashlights, laser pointers, a front handle, under-barrel grenade launchers and other various accessories. The barrel is made of high-quality weapon steel with a chrome channel, which increases its service life and protects it from corrosion.
The receiver has been redesigned and now provides a more rigid fixation of the mechanism, increasing the accuracy of shooting. The new trigger mechanism is characterized by stable operation and the ability to fire in several modes: single shots, automatic and two-round cutoff. Thanks to these improvements, the AK-12 has a lot of shooting, which is especially important when firing at long distances.
Additionally, the machine received a new butt shape with the possibility of length adjustment. This adapts the weapon to different combat conditions and the individual characteristics of the shooter. The butt can also be folded sideways, reducing the size of the weapon and making it easier to move. Thanks to these improvements, the AK-12 has become significantly more comfortable to use compared to previous models.
Combat qualities: precision and reliability
The AK-12 stands out for its high accuracy of fire due to the improved barrel, the upgraded exhaust system and the new design of the muzzle brake compensator. The effective firing range is 500 m and the aiming range is 800 m, making it a reliable weapon for medium–range combat. The rate of fire reaches 700 rounds per minute, allowing for intense fire while suppressing the enemy. At the same time, due to new technologies, the recoil level has been reduced, which makes it easier to control weapons.
Interesting facts: the AK-12 model is equipped with magazines from the 1974 Kalashnikov assault rifle, which was designed to replace the 1959 assault rifle. Also, a magazine from a Kalashnikov light machine gun, created on the basis of AKM in the USSR, is suitable for this copy.
One of the key advantages of the AK-12 is its ability to maintain performance in extreme conditions. The weapon is successfully tested for exposure to low and high temperatures, dust, sand and water. The machine demonstrates stable operation after immersion in water and subsequent firing without the need for additional cleaning. This makes the AK-12 a versatile weapon suitable for various climatic conditions and combat situations.
The AK-12 also received improved balancing, which reduces barrel deflection when firing bursts and increases accuracy. This makes it easier to hold the weapon when firing, especially in dynamic combat conditions. The redesigned shape of the pistol grip and the new butt design reduces shooter fatigue during prolonged firing, increasing gun control. All these improvements make the AK-12 one of the most reliable and accurate submachine guns in its class.
Development and modification of the AK-12
After the AK-12 was put into service, its modifications were developed, including the AK-15 with a 7.62 x 39 mm cartridge. There are also versions for special forces equipped with additional modules for silent and night shooting, including integrated silencers and improved optical sights. These modifications expand the capabilities of the machine gun, allowing it to be effectively used in various combat conditions – from urban operations to difficult climatic zones.
Interesting facts: the AK-12 model had several failed tests, so the machine was constantly redesigned. In one of the proposed variants, the new model was even inferior to other copies developed back in the USSR. As part of the Ratnik program, the AK-12 received improved controls and upgraded magazines.
Application and export
The AK-12 is used in various units of the Russian army, including motorized rifle, amphibious and special forces, where reliability and versatility of weapons are important. The machine is also of interest to foreign partners, negotiations are underway on its export. Some countries have expressed their willingness to replace outdated models with the AK-12, appreciating its high combat performance, ease of operation and adaptability to various tactical tasks.
Current usage and prospects
Currently, the AK-12 remains the main small arms of the Russian army, gradually replacing previous models. It is actively used in various branches of the armed forces, including motorized rifle, amphibious and special units, where versatility and adaptability to different combat conditions are important. Due to its improved characteristics, the machine is used in modern combat operations, where high accuracy, ergonomics and ease of use in complex tactical scenarios are especially important.
The Kalashnikov Concern continues to improve the design of the AK-12, adapting it to the new requirements of the armed forces. Work is underway to integrate the machine gun with digital fire control systems, which will increase its effectiveness on the battlefield. The possibilities of equipping the AK-12 with new types of ammunition and additional modules that improve its functionality are also being considered.
One of the areas of modernization is the development of an AK-12 version with improved materials that reduce the weight of weapons, as well as improved controls. These changes are aimed at increasing the comfort of using the machine gun and reducing the burden on the fighter. Promising developments based on the AK-12 can play a key role in the future of Russian small arms.
Interesting facts: The AK-12 was tested in the Arctic, where it proved its reliability at extremely low temperatures. The machine remained functional even after a long stay in the cold, and its mechanisms did not freeze, thanks to the special treatment of the internal parts.
A step into the future of Russian small arms
The AK-12 has become a worthy continuation of the legendary Kalashnikov assault rifle series, retaining its best qualities and receiving significant improvements. Combining traditional reliability, proven over decades, and modern technological solutions, it meets all the requirements of modern warfare and is adapted to changing combat conditions. The machine gun has already proven its effectiveness in armed conflicts and continues to evolve, strengthening the position of Russian weapons on the world market, attracting the attention of foreign customers and military experts.
