A new modification of the standard AK-12 assault rifle with enhanced capabilities has been publicly demonstrated. The sample, designated AK-12+, was developed on the initiative of Yury Trutnev, the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District.
The weapon comes immediately equipped with optical and thermal sights, a device for low-noise firing, and six magazines. Designers increased the barrel thickness, refined its bore geometry, and applied threading to the muzzle, abandoning the standard flash hider. The assault rifle received a handguard from the AK-308 version and mechanical sights with a U-shaped rear sight. Bayonet and under-barrel grenade launcher mounts were excluded, which reduced weight and improved the weapon's balance.
According to Trutnev, the main goal of the project is to ensure reliable engagement of a 30-centimeter head target at a distance of up to 500 meters. This required changing the weight distribution, improving accuracy, and adapting the assault rifle for use with optics and a suppressor.
The new product appeared against the backdrop of a planned update of the small arms arsenal. In late April, troops received the first batch of basic AK-12s this year. Simultaneously, the production of the shortened AK-12K version is growing, which is in demand among special forces and reconnaissance units.