Foreign customers have shown interest in a new specialized version of the Russian BK-16 boat, designed for diving operations. The Kalashnikov Concern announced the received inquiries at the International Maritime Defense Show "Fleet-2026".

The Concern received several requests from foreign partners regarding the supply of the boat in a special diving configuration. This refers to a modification based on the high-speed transport and landing boat BK-16. According to a company representative, the vessel is equipped with a decompression chamber and a set of specialized equipment necessary to support divers' work and perform decompression procedures after dives.

The new version expands the capabilities of the BK-16 platform, which was originally created to perform a wide range of tasks in the coastal zone. The boat is used for transporting personnel, landing troops on unequipped shores, fire support for units, medical evacuation, rescue operations, as well as combating piracy and terrorism.

The BK-16 can accommodate up to 19 people. Its wheelhouse and troop compartment have armor protection, and the power plant is protected from damage. Depending on the tasks, the boat can be equipped with various weapon options, including 7.62 and 12.7 mm machine guns, a combat module, or a 40 mm grenade launcher.

One of the key advantages of the platform remains its performance characteristics. The boat develops a speed of up to 42 knots, which is about 77 kilometers per hour, and the cruising range exceeds 400 nautical miles.