Russian manufacturer Kalashnikov has announced the completion of a new round of periodic testing for the 5.45 mm AK-12 rifle in the configuration introduced in 2023. According to the company, the weapon received a positive assessment from the state customer, allowing another large batch to be cleared for delivery.
The tests are part of the monitoring process for equipment manufactured under government contracts. However, Kalashnikov did not disclose detailed information about the protocols adopted, the number of units evaluated or the technical criteria used by the Russian customer.
+ Russia shows use of drones in military engineering operations near Dobropillia
+ Kaylee Hottle, “Godzilla vs. Kong” actress, dies after crash in the US
According to the group, AK-12 deliveries scheduled for 2026 are being carried out in accordance with the timetable established under the state contract. The company also says it has expanded its product portfolio and industrial capacity in recent years in response to increased military orders related to the conflict in Ukraine.
Updated version based on operational experience
The AK-12 Model 2023 is a revised version of the rifle originally adopted by the Russian Armed Forces. The modifications were developed from observations made during the weapon’s operational use and involved changes to its components, ergonomics and overall configuration.
The model uses 5.45 x 39 mm ammunition and is described by Kalashnikov as the main individual weapon currently in service with Russian forces. Official specifications state that the standard version has a 415 mm barrel and an approximate weight of 3.7 kg.
The updated configuration entered serial production in late 2023. Since then, different batches have been delivered to Russian military units as part of the process of replacing and modernizing earlier models in the AK family.
AK-12K expands the family of compact variants
In addition to the standard configuration, Kalashnikov began manufacturing the AK-12K in 2025, a shortened variant also chambered for 5.45 mm ammunition.
According to the manufacturer, the variant was developed at the request of members of the Russian airborne forces, who were seeking a more compact weapon for operations in confined spaces, urbanized areas and defensive structures. The company says the state order related to the AK-12K was completed ahead of schedule.
Alan Lushnikov, Kalashnikov’s director general, described the completion of the tests as an important stage in the company’s main individual weapons program. According to the executive, the state assessment confirmed that the model met the established requirements.
Despite the announcement of positive results, the complete technical data from the tests remain restricted to the manufacturer and the government customer. An independent assessment of reliability, durability and performance would therefore require access to the reports used by the Russian authorities.
Source and images: Kalashnikov, via Telegram @kalashnikovnews.
