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Russia and Kalashnikov Highlits RPL-20 Light Machine Gun at IDEX 2025.
At the IDEX 2025 exhibition, Kalashnikov Concern presented its latest development in the realm of light machine guns, the RPL-20. An innovation in the Russian military’s pursuit of enhanced squad firepower, the RPL-20 is a prototype that aims to address the limitations of previous models by offering a belt-fed, open-bolt, fully automatic system. Unveiled initially at Army-2020, this weapon is now showcased at IDEX, signaling its potential role in modernizing Russian infantry operations.
The RPL-20, designed by Kalashnikov Concern, stands out with its lightweight construction, weighing in at just 5.2 to 5.5 kilograms (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The RPL-20, designed by Kalashnikov Concern, stands out with its lightweight construction, weighing in at just 5.2 to 5.5 kilograms. This is comparable to the RPK-74, which is a standard light machine gun used by Russian forces. However, the RPL-20 distinguishes itself by using a non-disintegrating belt feed, an open-bolt mechanism, and a rotating bolt, all of which are aimed at enhancing sustained fire capabilities.
The weapon’s design addresses a longstanding gap in Russian infantry equipment. Historically, the Soviet Union retired the RPD, the last belt-fed, intermediate-caliber machine gun, in the early 1960s. Since then, the RPK-74 has been the primary weapon for squad-level suppressive fire. While lighter and easier to operate, the RPK-74's magazine-fed system and fixed barrel limit its ability to provide sustained fire, especially in prolonged engagements. The RPL-20 offers a solution by maintaining a belt-feed system, allowing for continuous suppression without the need to reload frequently, thus overcoming some of the limitations of its predecessors.
Equipped with a barrel length of 590mm, the RPL-20 fires the 5.45×39mm cartridge, a standard issue in Russian light machine guns and rifles. It is designed for a rate of fire of around 600 rounds per minute, making it suitable for both offensive and defensive actions in squad-based combat. Moreover, its quick-change barrel feature ensures that the weapon can maintain high rates of fire during extended engagements without overheating.
Kalashnikov Concern has confirmed that the weapon is still in development, with plans for further testing and state trials in 2024. Despite its prototype status, footage of the RPL-20 in action has already been released, demonstrating the functionality of the belt-fed system and open-bolt operation. This prototype is expected to supplement the more traditional PK machine guns used by Russian forces, providing a more versatile and efficient option for infantry units.
One of the key aspects of the RPL-20’s design is the focus on reducing complexity while retaining high performance. The belt-fed design was chosen over a more complicated dual-feed system, which would have allowed the use of both magazines and belts. Kalashnikov's decision to keep the weapon belt-fed reflects their commitment to simplifying the weapon’s operation, making it easier to maintain and more reliable in the field. This decision also contributes to the weapon’s lighter weight compared to other models that use dual-feed systems.
As the Russian military continues to modernize its ground forces, the RPL-20 could play a pivotal role in enhancing the firepower of squad-level units. By offering the sustained firepower typical of a belt-fed machine gun, combined with the portability and ease of use of a lighter weapon, the RPL-20 is poised to fill an important niche in the Russian arsenal.
With its unveiling at IDEX 2025, Kalashnikov Concern has demonstrated its continued innovation in small arms and infantry support weapons. As the RPL-20 progresses through testing and development, it could become a vital tool in the Russian military’s arsenal, contributing to enhanced fire support for infantry units in the years to come.