Kalashnikov Concern presented an updated version of the third-generation AK-12 assault rifle, created with consideration of the real combat use of previous modifications. This was reported by the company’s CEO Alan Lushnikov, who emphasized that the key factor in the modernization was direct contact between the designers and servicemen on combat duty.
I can give an example of the modernization of our main AK-12 assault rifle. At present, the concern is already carrying out serial production of the third generation of this product. It appeared entirely as a result of the combat-use experience of the previous two versions — those of 2018 and 2021.
According to him, the concern’s engineers repeatedly traveled to training grounds and active military units, where they spoke with fighters, collected feedback on weapon operation in field conditions, and analyzed the identified shortcomings. All the information received was carefully systematized, after which the corresponding changes were made to the rifle’s design.
Lushnikov noted that the process of coordinating improvements with the customer remains labor-intensive: each modification requires adjustments to the design documentation and the completion of multi-stage approval procedures. Nevertheless, in his assessment, bureaucratic barriers have recently been overcome much faster than before, which accelerates the deployment of updated weapons to the troops.
Read more materials on the topic:
- Next-generation drones Goliaf 2.0 and Karakurt 2.0 from Kalashnikov make their debut in Abu Dhabi
- Rostekh clearly compared the accuracy of the AK-12 with global counterparts: not wildly off the mark, but right on target
