The main Russian arms concern, Kalashnikov, has shipped the latest shortened AK-12K assault rifles chambered for 5.45x39 mm to the customer. A large batch of assault rifles was delivered in full under a state contract.
The press service of the concern reminded that the version of the AK-12 assault rifle with a shortened barrel was developed in 2024 at the request of the assault and reconnaissance units of the Russian Airborne Forces. The rifle is distinguished by its accuracy and grouping of fire, reliability and convenience for conducting combat at short distances. The military personnel praised the AK-12K, having tested it in combat.
The AK-12K assault rifle is equipped with a low-noise firing device (PMS). The number of magazines supplied in the kit has been increased to 8 pieces. The product itself is made in the "Multicam" color, which is used for the first time in the production of small arms.
In the summer of 2025, the head of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Andrei Belousov, suggested that the management of Kalashnikov work out the possibility of increasing the supply of AK-12K assault rifles and RPL-20 machine guns to the Airborne Forces and to the assault units of all groupings of troops of the Armed Forces of Russia.