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"Lethal force at the proper level": how the AK-12 assault rifle is being improved taking into account the experience of the SVO
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that motorized riflemen of the Eastern Military District are honing their shooting skills from modern AK-12 assault rifles. During the exercises, personnel attacked various types of targets at a distance of 100 to 600 m. Earlier, the Kalashnikov concern announced plans to modernize the AK-12, taking into account the experience of the SVO. According to analysts, this assault rifle surpasses its predecessor in ergonomics and functionality, while maintaining high range and accuracy.
The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that in Transbaikalia, a motorized rifle unit of the Eastern Military District conducted exercises using the latest AK-12 assault rifle.
"Servicemen of the allied motorized rifle units of the Eastern Military District are improving their combat training during combat shooting as part of an additional combat training course. The shooting took place at the Borzya-Novaya training ground in the Zabaikalsky Krai. The motorized riflemen are conducting a series of practical exercises using modern small arms - Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifles," the department reported.
During combat shooting, soldiers practice hitting various types of stationary and moving targets at distances from 100 to 600 meters.
In addition, soldiers hone their skills in stealth movement, equipment, and camouflage of firing positions. Classes are held both during the day and at night. The Russian Defense Ministry emphasized that the instructions are carried out by specialists with combat experience.
Let us recall that the AK-12 assault rifle of 5.45 mm caliber is one of the latest developments of the Kalashnikov concern in the field of small arms. By default, the AK-15 was produced in a “heavier” caliber - 7.62 mm. Both first versions were adopted by the Russian army in 2018, but individual parts of the weapon were also improved.
The AK-12 is designed to defeat enemy manpower, unarmed troops and special equipment.
When developing the new family of assault rifles, the main task was to increase the accuracy of shooting. The designers also worked on improving the ergonomics of the product. For this purpose, an adjustable buttstock, a comfortable fire control handle, an improved safety switch and a new belt for carrying the weapon were introduced.
The AK-12 can also be equipped with a variety of additional equipment. Thus, installing a grenade launcher under a 40-mm barrel of the GP-34 type will significantly increase the machine gun's firepower. As a result, the bayonet allows the AK to be used in hand-to-hand combat. It can be used to cut wires with a sheath.
Additionally, the AK-12 can be equipped with a low-noise firing device and various optical and optoelectronic devices.
The trigger mechanism provides single and automatic fire from the AK-12 assault rifle, as well as fixed bursts of two rounds.
Compared to the AK-74 and the “hundredth” series, the AK-12 differs, first of all, in its improved ergonomics, says military expert, retired colonel Viktor Litovkin.
"Firstly, it is more ergonomic. Secondly, there is a Picatinny rail for attaching additional equipment. It can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people, which is very convenient," the analyst explained in a comment to RT.
Viktor Litovkin added that thanks to the many additional accessories, including sights, laser pointers and grenade launchers, the AK-12 should no longer be called an assault rifle, but a whole complex.
After the start of special military operations, the Kalashnikov concern began to improve its weapons taking into account the experience of military operations. As a result of this work, the company released an updated AK-12 in 2023.
"The 2023 sample took into account the most important complaints and shortcomings identified by the SVO. We eliminated them." The head of the concern, Alan Lushnikov, told TASS in August of this year.
The new version will enter service in early 2024. In August, he was also called up for service in the Russian National Guard.
According to Kalashnikov magazine, the modified AK-12 model 2023 was equipped with a new muzzle device, front sight, front sight, diopter and fire control handle. In addition, the machine gun has a new L-shaped stock instead of a triangular one and a safety catch with a double-sided flag. The design also includes special components that limit the movement of the bolt carrier when the safety catch is engaged in the event of a strong blow to the butt.
The modernization of the weapon did not stop even after the appearance of the 2023 version. In September 2024, the management of the concern discussed the further development of the project with the participants of the special operation in the Zaporizhia direction.
"The soldiers conveyed to the concern's representatives their vision of the further development of small arms and their hopes for its composition," the Kalashnikov press service reported.
Alan Lushnikov also announced the continuation of the AK-12 modernization in the same month.
"Based on the results of the 2023 SVO, it was updated (AK-12.-RT), tested and is currently continuously supplied to the military. But this is not the end. We are in constant contact with our soldiers and are studying modernization options. This means there will be another modernization... The technical specifications include indicators requested by the customer, such as accuracy, range indicators, etc. We need to maintain these indicators, develop ergonomics and improve issues related to ease of use and reliability," the top manager emphasized in a comment to Izvestia.
According to Viktor Litovkin, constant modernization and improvement is a common practice for new weapons.
"When any type of weapon is created, the possibilities for its development always lie in the future. Since certain requirements are put forward for weapons today, combat experience shows that additional advantages are needed. So this is a common practice," the expert concluded.