AK-12
The AK-12 is a Russian 5.45×39mm assault rifle developed by Kalashnikov Concern for the Russian Armed Forces and other security forces.
The AK-12 is a Russian 5.45×39mm assault rifle developed by Kalashnikov Concern for the Russian Armed Forces and other security forces. It is the latest main-service rifle in the Kalashnikov family and is associated with the Russian Ratnik program.
Development
The AK-12 was developed in Russia as part of the Ratnik modernization program. It was intended to replace older 5.45×39mm Kalashnikov service rifles, such as the AK-74 and AK-74M, in Russian military service.
Design
The rifle uses a gas-operated Kalashnikov mechanism with a long-stroke piston. It includes modernized external features such as a folding adjustable stock, pistol grip, Picatinny rails for accessories, a free-floating handguard, and a quick-detach muzzle device. Rostec describes it as the latest stage in AK system development with improved accuracy and reduced dispersion. The production model has a 415 mm barrel, a 30-round magazine, and a sighting range of 800 m.
Variants
The AK-12 name is sometimes used broadly for a family of related weapons. Related models include the AK-15 in 7.62×39mm and the AK-19 in 5.56×45mm NATO, which share the AK-12 family designation but use different cartridges.
Service use
The AK-12 is the standard 5.45mm service rifle used by the Russian Army and other security forces. It is described by Russian sources as a current service rifle and is presented as part of standard Russian infantry equipment within the Ratnik program.
Key facts
- The AK-12 is the standard 5.45mm service rifle used by the Russian Army and other security forces.
- It was developed as part of efforts to replace earlier AK-74 and AK-74M rifles.
- The rifle includes modern features such as improved ergonomics, Picatinny rails, and adjustable folding stock options.
- Rostec describes it as the latest stage in AK system development with improved accuracy and reduced dispersion.
- Sources describe the production model as having a 415 mm barrel, a 30-round magazine, and a sighting range of 800 m.
Canadian readers may encounter the AK-12 in reporting on Russian military modernization, small-arms comparisons, or international security coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AK-12?
Who uses the AK-12?
What cartridge does the AK-12 use?
Is the AK-12 part of a family of rifles?
What are some notable features of the AK-12?
References
- Rostec — https://rostec.ru/en/directions/weapons/products-projects/ak-12-ak-15-ak-19-assault-rifles/Supports: Identifies the AK-12 as the latest individual automatic firearm used by the Russian Armed Forces and describes its features and role in the Ratnik program.
- Rosoboronexport — https://roe.ru/en/production/land-forces/small-arms-sv/assault-rifles-sv/AK-12/?theme=Supports: Provides technical specifications and describes the AK-12 as a modern service rifle for Russian forces.
- Znanie Russia — https://znanierussia.ru/articles/%D0%90%D0%9A-12Supports: Gives specifications including dimensions, barrel length, rate of fire, and effective range.
- French Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/AK-12Supports: States the AK-12 is a Russian assault rifle and lists related ammunition variants including AK-15 and AK-19.