Kalashnikov PPK-20 submachine gun now mass-produced and delivered to Russian army in Ukraine.

In 2020, the renowned Kalashnikov group unveiled its compact submachine gun, the PPK-20. The PPK-20 has moved to mass production and the first batches have been shipped to the Russian Armed Forces operating in Ukraine.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

PPK-20 submachine gun using 9x19 mm cartridges (Picture source: Russian media )

Since its initial presentation, Kalashnikov has regularly informed the public about the progress and results of the PPK-20 project. Several important announcements have been made in recent months. In August, at the "Army-2022" forum, Kalashnikov's president, Alan Lushnikov, stated that the PPK-20 submachine guns and SVCH sniper rifles would be integrated into the Russian army by the end of the year.

In late December, Kalashnikov's management discussed the deployment of new models, including the PPK-20, in special operations areas. The weapon has been distributed to various military units and is tested under real conflict conditions. On February 20, at the IDEX 2023 military exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Kalashnikov was among the leading participants showcasing the latest innovations in the Russian defense industry.

The PPK-20 was designed in the last decade. It was initially based on the PP-19-01 "Vityaz-SN" model, incorporating design experience and feedback from military personnel and special service agents who used the PP-19-01. The result is a compact and lightweight submachine gun chambered for the widely used Parabellum 9x19mm cartridge. Depending on the mission, the weapon can be equipped with various devices and accessories thanks to the presence of several Picatinny rails.

Its total length (with an extended stock) is 660mm, and when folded, it measures 475mm. It weighs 2.7kg without ammunition. The PPK-20's design was initially based on the Kalashnikov rifles of the 100 series but was modernized in 2021 using information from the AK-12 project.

The PPK-20's firing mechanism is borrowed from the latest rifle models and has been appropriately modified. A safety and firing selector with an improved design is located on the right side of the receiver, with a smaller switch added to the left. The weapon is fed by detachable 30-round magazines, borrowed from the "Vityaz." It uses various types of 9x19mm ammunition.

The submachine gun is equipped with a foldable telescopic stock with adjustable length and an ergonomic pistol grip. It comes with a standard diopter sight designed for ranges up to 200 meters. A special carrying bag has been designed for the PPK-20. This bag facilitates the transport of the weapon itself, several magazines, a low-noise firing device, various accessories, and more.

The Russian forces will be transmitting their analysis of this weapon in the next few months, and testing it on the battlefield in Ukraine will no doubt lead to a whole host of specifications and more precise characteristics of the weapon.