Kalashnikov and Russia Deliver New Shipment of 2023 Model AK-12 Assault Rifles.

Kalashnikov Concern has delivered an advanced batch of 2023 model AK-12 assault rifles to its customers ahead of schedule. The company has already completed 65% of its 2024 state defense order for these rifles, as announced by the Russian company on August 6, 2024.
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The AK-12 is a contemporary assault rifle developed by the Russian manufacturer Kalashnikov. (Picture source: Kalashnikov)

Kalashnikov's weapons production division continuously improves its technological processes to ensure the high quality of its products. In the first half of this year, the production of military products increased by 50% compared to the previous year.

"Fulfilling the state defense order is our top priority," stated Alan Lushnikov, President of Kalashnikov Concern. "Despite operational modifications based on combat experience with the AK-12 in the SVO zone, our specialists not only maintain the production speed but also exceed the schedule for the state defense order."

The AK-12 is a contemporary assault rifle developed by the Russian manufacturer Kalashnikov. While it originates from Russia, it is also used in several other countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Syria. Initially designed by Vladimir Zlobin and finalized by Sergey Urzhumtse, the AK-12 began serial production in 2014 and began being used from 2018 onwards.

This assault rifle is chambered for various munitions, including the 5.45 × 39 mm M74 for the AK-12 model, the 7.62 × 39 mm M43 for the AK-15, and the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO for the AK-19. Weighing 2.9 kg unloaded and 3.2 kg loaded, the AK-12 measures 945 mm in length with a barrel length of 415 mm.

The AK-12 features a conventional architecture and can operate in automatic, two-round burst, or single-shot mode. Its maximum range reaches 2,500 meters, while its effective range is 800 meters. It has a firing rate of 700 rounds per minute in automatic mode and 1,000 rounds per minute in three-round bursts. The initial velocity of the projectiles ranges between 900 and 915 meters per second.

The AK-12 can be equipped with various magazines, ranging from 30 to 60 rounds, with the option to use a 95-round drum magazine or 30 and 45-round magazines taken from the AK-74 and RPKS-74, respectively. The rifle is fitted with a mechanical sight but can also accommodate optical sights for increased precision.

This weapon has been used in contemporary conflicts, notably the Russo-Ukrainian War, and represents a significant evolution of the Kalashnikov series in terms of reliability, precision, and versatility on the battlefield.