Interest from international buyers grew around the AK-12 assault rifle, rising in response to its demonstrated performance in the field during the conflict in Ukraine. According to reports shared by TASS, Sergey Urzhumtsev, the chief designer at the Kalashnikov concern, highlighted that since 2019 the AK-12 has become the main multi-purpose rifle within the Russian armed forces. This point underscores how a single weapon platform can influence a nation’s infantry doctrine and equipment choices across varying theaters of operation. (attribution: TASS)
Urzhumtsev emphasized that the rifle has been tested in conditions that reflect full-scale interstate conflict rather than limited regional incidents. The practical experiences cited show the AK-12 performing under significant stress, with real-world engagement providing evidence of its reliability and adaptability in high-intensity combat. (attribution: TASS)
Beyond its standard variant, the Kalashnikov line expanded to include configurations chambered for calibers aligned with NATO standards, such as 5.56×45 mm and 7.62×51 mm, as well as the widely used 7.62×39 mm. This development aims to extend compatibility with allied and regional ammunition supplies, potentially easing logistics for partners and export buyers across different blocs. (attribution: Kalashnikov Group)
Sergey Urzhumtsev, previously the chief designer of the Kalashnikov group responsible for defense production, noted that the AK-12 family has seen modifications based on field feedback gathered during the special military operation. A particular technical adjustment involved the removal of a two-stroke cutting mode, which, while it offered limited gains in throughput, introduced unnecessary complexity into the mechanism. The decision reflects a broader engineering principle: simplify where possible to improve reliability and ease of maintenance in demanding environments. (attribution: Kalashnikov Group)