The Kalashnikov Group, which is a part of the Rostec state corporation will for the first time present a prototype of the new semi-automatic sniper rifle SVK at the international military and technical forum Army-2016. The concept of the new rifle was designed with the participation of active duty snipers of several Russian special forces units. The SVK compact semi-automatic sniper rifle is being developed for two of the most common military rifle cartridges, the 7.62x51 NATO cartridge and the 7.62x54R cartridge.

The SVK rifle features an inverted “U”-shaped steel receiver that hosts the bolt group. It uses a short stroke piston gas-operated action and rotary bolt that locks with three radial lugs. The manually-adjustable gas regulator ensures smooth and reliable operation under all conditions, with and without a sound suppressor. The rifle is fed from detachable box magazines with either 10 rounds or 15 to 20 rounds. The 7.62x54R version, utilizes magazines compatible with the Dragunov SVD sniper rifle.

The rifle also features ambidextrous fire controls and an integrated Picatinny rail on its top, so it can be easily equipped with a wide selection of modern-day and night sights. Its side-folding buttstock is adjustable. Standard accessories include a detachable folding bipod and a quickly-detachable tactical sound suppressor. At the present moment, SVK is undergoing factory trials.