The Kalashnikov Group has presented an updated version of the third-generation AK-12 assault rifle, created taking into account the real combat use of previous modifications. This was announced by the company's CEO, Alan Lushnikov, emphasizing that the key factor in the modernization was the direct contact of designers with military personnel on combat duty.
I can give an example of the modernization of our main AK-12 assault rifle. Currently, the group is mass-producing the third generation of this product. It appeared entirely as a result of the combat experience of the previous two versions — 2018 and 2021.
According to him, the group's engineers repeatedly visited training grounds and active military units, where they held conversations with soldiers, collected feedback on the operation of weapons in the field, and analyzed identified shortcomings. All the information received was carefully systematized, after which appropriate changes were made to the design of the assault rifle.
Lushnikov noted that the process of согласования доработок с заказчиком remains трудоёмким: each modification requires внесения корректировок в конструкторскую документацию и прохождения многоэтапных процедур утверждения. Тем не менее, по его оценке, бюрократические барьеры в последнее время преодолеваются значительно быстрее, чем ранее, что ускоряет вывод обновлённого вооружения в войска.
