Kalashnikov launching serial production of AK-12 assault rifle.

The Kalashnikov Concern is launching the serial production of AK-12 assault rifle. The Russian Defense Ministry will get the first batch by the end of the year, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov said.

Kalashnikov AK-12 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

"We shall supply the first batch by the end of the year. All trials have been held and the serial production is beginning. We shall deliver the necessary amount to the Defense Ministry by year-end," he said.

Last year Kalashnikov CEO Alexey Krivoruchko told TASS the trials of the latest Russian rifle had been completed. The concern was ready to begin serial supplies in 2018, however there was no contract at the time.

The AK-12 has a weight of 3.2 kg, a length of 940 mm (730 mm with folded stock), a firing rate of 650 rds/min, a muzzle velocity of 900 m/s, and a maximum firing range of 1,000 m.

The rifle is a part of the Ratnik combat outfit. The new-generation gear comprises several dozens of elements, including nine weapons.

Russia's largest firearms manufacturer, Izhmash unveiled in February 2012 a prototype of its new Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle with improved ergonomics and tactical flexibility. The new assault rifle, dubbed AK-12, is being designed as a basic platform for the development of nearly 20 different modifications of the weapon.

The AK-12 assault rifle wa presented for the first time to the public in June 2012 at the the defence exhibition in Moscow, Engineer Technologies 2012.