Kalashnikov AK-12 Assault Rifle Passes Field Trials

Russian Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle has passed all field design and field operational requirements of the Russian Armed Forces.

The 5.45 mm AK-12 assault rifle is one of nine new firearms developed for the Ratnik programme, which also include a 7.62x39 mm assault rifle and dozens of pieces of combat equipment, the company was quoted as saying by Janes Wednesday.

This paves the way for the acceptance of the AK-12 as a standard individual weapon in the Russian Ratnik (Warrior) future soldier system.

Development of the AK-12 began in 2011 as a private venture by the Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash).

Based on the AK-200, the AK-12 prototypes were presented in January 2012. While first generation AK-12s with improved ergonomics passed the trials, the Russian Armed Forces required design changes and expected the weapon to be less expensive to manufacture. As a result, the second generation 5.45 mm AK-12 rifle was introduced, based on the AK-400, with a simplified design.

It was teamed with the AK-15 assault rifle with a 7.62x39 mm chamber and 5.45 mm RPK-16 light support weapon.

In parallel with the development of the AK-12 and AK-15 for soldiers equipped with Ratnik, the Kalashnikov Concern also developed the AK-74 rifle upgrade package. This includes a folding and telescoping stock; a receiver cover, handguard and forearm with Picatinny rails; and a more ergonomic fire selector and hand grip.