Russian Army To Use New Kalashnikov Assault Rifles From 2014

Russian Army to receive various modified Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifles with other small arms in 2014, according to RIA Novosti.

Development of the AK-12 began in mid-2011 under a basic platform for nearly 20 different modifications of the weapon. The new weapon retains the overall layout and features of the AK-74, in service with the Russian army since the 1970s, but features several modifications and ergonomic changes.

The rifle features three firing modes: single shot, three-shot burst and automatic fire. The muzzle of the AK-12 has been designed to shoot foreign-standard barrel-mounted grenades.

The weapon is also equipped with Picatinny rails to mount optical, and night sights, grenade launchers, target indicators and other special equipment.

The state trials of the AK-12 assault rifle are slated for the fall of 2013.

“In 2014, the Russian army will start receiving new assault rifles, handguns, machine guns and sniper rifles, including 5.45-mm and 7.62-mm variants of the Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle,” Deputy Chairman of the Military-Industrial Commission, Oleg Bochkarev, said in an interview with a local radio.