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| Russia Begins Production of New Model of Modernized Fifth Generation Legendary Rifle |
Moscow - Russia's Rostec defense consortium will begin production of the latest model of the Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle this year. This is the fifth generation of the legendary firearm. "The new design reflects the experience gained by Russian forces during military operations in Ukraine," said Rostec head Sergey Chemezov.
"We work closely with the military and get their feedback. We can react quickly to changing (army) requirements and introduce construction changes and improve our products," he said.
According to Chemezov, the new AK-12 model received a “major upgrade” and is much more user-friendly and ergonomic. "The new model will be mass produced this year," he said. AK-12 caliber 5.45 mm has increased operational accuracy and firing density compared to the previous generation.
The weapon also features multiple Picatinny rails for weapon sights and a laser target indicator. The weapon is just one of the Kalashnikov Group's cutting-edge products which also includes the 5.56x45 mm AK-19 assault rifle and 9 mm PPK-20 light machine gun.
The group manufactures AK-15 assault rifles with a caliber of 7.62 mm for the Russian Army and AK-19 for international clients. Earlier in January, the Kalashnikov Group, which is part of Rostec, reported a record 20-year increase in production, as its firearms division produced 40% more military and civilian small arms in 2022 than in 2021.
Kalashnikov fulfilled 45 state military contracts, 24 military-technical cooperation agreements, and one agreement to license production elsewhere, describing it as "the biggest deal in history". Russian officials say the country's defense industry is toiling in response to Western backers "pumping" Ukraine with arms.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed to the need to fully supply “every platoon” fighting on the front against the Kiev forces when he spoke to defense industry executives in Tula.