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Old 7.62mm PKM machine gun will be replaced by modern PKP Pecheneg in the Russian army 11405161

Military Defense Industry Technology - PKP Pecheneg

Old 7.62mm PKM machine gun will be replaced by modern PKP Pecheneg in the Russian army.

Russian Armed Forces will have Kalashnikov 7.62mm PKM machine gun replaced by modern PKP Pecheneg (Russian designation: 6P45) machineguns, according to a source in Russian defense industry.

Russian-made 7.62mm machine gun PKP Pecheneg

"Kalashnikov PKM machinegun is one of the best machineguns in the world available for both dismounted soldiers and various armoured vehicles, including main battle tanks (MBT). It uses widespread and extremely effective Soviet 7.62x54R mm cartridge and has reliable belt-feeding system. As of early 2016, PKM remains the organic machinegun of Russian Armed Forces in both bipod and tank configuration. At the same time, TSNIITochMash scientific-research institute has developed PKP Pecheneg machinegun intended to replace the ageing PKM," the source said.

He pointed out that PKM issued to Soviet/Russian Armed Forces in huge quantities would remain the main machinegun in the year to come. "We suppose that the process of PKM by Pecheneg replacement will be finished in the early 2020 to full extent," he pointed out.

Kalashnikov PKM (6P6M, M stands for upgraded, modernizirovanny) is the upgraded variant of Kalashnikov PK (6P6) machinegun developed in the late 1950s. PKM was brought into service in 1969. It features reduced weight (compared to PK) and enhanced belt-feeding system. PKM has a combat weight of 10.4 kg, a length of 1192 mm (including 677-mm barrel), a firing rate of 650 rounds per minute, a muzzle velocity of 825 m/s and effective firing range of 1,200 m. The weapon is fed from 100/200/2500-round belt packed in a metal box. The late modifications of PKM have folding stock (PKMS, S stands for folding stock, Skladnoy) and attaching lug for Warsaw Pact-standard (also designated as 'swallow`s tail') scopes. In the early 1990s, PKM machinegun has received pistol grip and stock made of polymer.

Russian-made PKM 7.62 machine gun

PKM has proven to be an effective anti-personnel weapon, being able to fire in the harshest environment. At the same time, Klimovsk-based TSNIITochMash has developed upgraded variant of PKM designated as PKP Pecheneg (Kalashnikov Machinegun for Dismounted soldiers). It has received non-interchangeable barrel with advanced air-cooling system. The barrel has a failure-free service life of approximately 30,000 of shots. Pecheneg significantly resembles PKM; both machineguns feature approximately 80% of common details and components. PKP features attaching lug for Warsaw Pact-type scopes in basic configuration. Pecheneg has a combat weight of 11.1 kg, a length of 1155 mm (including 658-mm barrel), a muzzle velocity of 825 m/s, a firing rate of 650 rounds per minute and an effective firing range of 1,200 m.

In 2013, TSNIITochMash has developed shortened modification of Pecheneg intended for assault groups and Special Forces units of the MoD and law enforcements agencies. It features reduced combat weight (10.6 kg), new tactical grip and muzzle break and Picatinny rail installed on the top of carrying handle. A small batch of shortened Pechenegs has been supplied to Russian MoD.

In 2014, TSNIITochMash has revealed upgraded modification of PKP designated as Pecheneg-SP (MoD`s designation: 6P69). Pecheneg-SP has received new air-cooling barrel, Picatinny rail systems intended for various red-dot/optical sights, tactical silencer, tactical grip, new ergonomic carrying handle and pistol grip, quick-detachable Harris-type bipod, reinforced metal box for feeding belt and folding telescopic stock. Pecheneg-SP is supposed to replace the early variants of PKP delivered to Russian Armed Forces.

Russia also offers Pecheneg machineguns to foreign customers. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Yemen are reported to have bought PKPs.

It should be noted that Pecheneg is developed for dismounted troops only. New armoured vehicles for Russian Armed Forces are equipped with upgraded Kalashnikov 7.62mm PKTM machineguns as co-axial/secondary weapon. PKTM has a combat weight of 14.1 kg, a length of 1098 mm, a firing rate of 800 rounds per minute, a muzzle velocity of 850 m/s and an effective firing range of 1,500 m.