The new AK-12 Kalashnikov assault rifle, which was unveiled in Russia in the middle of February, will become the basic model for future gun development. The producer, Izhmash, is currently in talks with Russia’s Defense Ministry and the General Staff to present the new weapon to the military leadership later this month.

Izhmash engineers have studied the requirements of the Defense Ministry and security services, as well as the range of automatic weapons available now. Eventually they opted for the old Kalashnikov design, which they improved to increase the precision and accuracy of single-shot and automatic fire and to reduce recoil. They have also found solutions for a number of the prototype’s problems. The new-generation AK rifle provides opportunities to enhance the basic model with auxiliary equipment, such as sights, rangefinders, and grenade launchers.