Kalashnikov, the Russian arms manufacturer, has completed a three-year contract for the supply of AK-12 assault rifles to the Russian Ministry of Defense ahead of the planned schedule. The announcement came from the company’s president, Alan Lushnikov, who emphasized that the production was finished early, the entire volume was delivered to the Ministry, and the company has already secured the next contract. The news highlights Kalashnikov’s continuing role in equipping the armed forces with modern small arms and sustaining production capacity through multiyear program commitments.
According to company sources, the achievement reflects a coordinated effort across design, manufacturing, and logistics to meet the Ministry’s requirements on time. The AK-12 program has undergone revisions over the years, incorporating feedback from field trials and testing under various operational conditions. The earlier stages of development and testing were conducted with attention to reliability, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with modern ammunition and accessory systems. This approach aligns with broader trends in contemporary infantry equipment procurement, where programs emphasize iterative improvements and contractor accountability.
In related notes, Sergei Urzhumtsev, a senior designer associated with Kalashnikov, has played a key role in refining the assault rifle family. His involvement underscores the integration of engineering expertise with program management to address evolving battlefield needs and user feedback from military partners. The company’s technical leadership has consistently worked to balance innovation with production practicality, aiming to deliver reliable weapons that meet rigorous defense standards.
Looking ahead, the Russian Armed Forces are slated to receive the first batch of the AK-12 rifles modified to reflect lessons learned from operations in the Northern Military District. These updates are expected to address real-world performance considerations and further tune the weapon’s ergonomics, mounting options, and shooting characteristics. Trials for the updated variant were targeted for completion in mid-year, with a focus on validating reliability under demanding climates and extended use scenarios. The process illustrates how defense programs continually refine equipment in response to frontline experience while maintaining steady supply to the troops.
Beyond the AK-12 program, Kalashnikov is also advancing other frontline platforms. A newly developed self-loading sniper rifle, the MTs-566, is reportedly on the horizon for deployment with airborne forces. Experts note that this module has already shown promise in initial assessments and field tests, suggesting it could enhance accuracy and engagement range for designated marksmen and reconnaissance teams. The transition to new sniper systems reflects a broader modernization trajectory that encompasses both assault rifles and precision weapons to support diverse mission profiles within the armed forces.
Concurrent with small arms upgrades, the company has introduced a remotely controllable turret designed to extend firepower and surveillance capabilities at extended distances. This turret, capable of remote operation, illustrates how defense firms are expanding integrated systems that combine targeting, stabilization, and cooperative engagement with other platforms and sensors. The development aligns with ongoing modernization initiatives that aim to improve situational awareness and force protection for units operating in varied terrains and operational theaters. The overall direction signals a move toward more adaptable, modular configurations that can be updated as technology evolves without a complete overhaul of current inventories.