Russian Arms Manufacturer Kalasnikov Upgrades AK-12 Assault Rifle Capability Based On Combat Experience In Ukraine

Ilustrasi militer Rusia menyandang senapan serbu AK-12. (Wikimedia Commons/Russian Defense Ministry)

JAKARTA - The Kalashnikov Group has upgraded its latest AK-12 assault rifle based on the experience gained in Russia's special military operations in Ukraine, said the CEO of Kalashnikov Group, Vladimir Lepin, in an interview with Kalashnikov magazine published on Thursday.

“The experience of operating the AK-12 in real warfare is a separate issue. In March 2022, the Main Missile and Artillery Department (Russian Ministry of Defense) held a series of meetings on the operation of the AK-12 in special military operations. Proposals are already available for further weapons upgrades", explained Lepin as quoted by TASS on July 28

The upgraded AK-12 prototype has been demonstrated to the Russian Ministry of Defense, he added.

The 5.45mm AK-12 assault rifle engineered by the Kalashnikov Group features increased fire accuracy and uses several Picatinny rails to attach additional equipment: a sight, a front grip, a flashlight, and a laser pointer.

The AK-12 is also equipped with a bayonet-type high-performance muzzle brake that is easily removable. The muzzle design allows for the installation of a silent and flameless firing device.

Russian AK-12. (Wikimedia Commons/Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

As previously reported, the AK-12 assault rifle, developed by the Kalashnikov company, has so far exceeded the non-stop fire requirements of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

"The AK-12 experienced 680 non-stop fire, exceeding three times the Ministry of Defense standard", the company said last month.

Last August, Kalashnikov's press office revealed that the AK-12 assault rifle they were developing would become the basic weapon for Russian troops in the years to come.

"The AK-12 has served as a replacement for the AK-74 since 2018 and will become the basic weapon of the Russian Armed Forces in the next few years", the press office said on the sidelines of the 2021 Army International Military Technical Forum.

"The final design of the AK-12, which was formed after operational evaluation by the troops, was presented at the 2020 Army forum. Now Kalashnikov is producing this AK model with all upgrades in mind", the press office said at the time.

The AK-12 has been upgraded to gain the ability to use sights around the clock, he said.

"The AK-12 provides 24-hour work during the week and is distinguished by good ergonomics and accuracy. The design has been thoroughly tested and customers confirm this", explains the press office.