Russian company Kalashnikov presented an updated version of the AK-12 assault rifle during the recent Army-2020 event held near Moscow. The company announced that based on the results of the use of AK-12 assault rifles by units and subdivisions of the Ministry of Defense, the weapon was modified in a way that improves its ergonomics and makes maintenance easier. The AK-12 is a Russian assault rifle chambered in 5.45×39mm designed and manufactured by the Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) and is the latest in the family of Kalashnikov rifles.
The final production model of the AK-12 is based on the AK-400 prototype and is said to be more reliable, more accurate and better suited to the latest Russian military requirements. The rifle is chambered in 5.45×39mm cartridge and has a cyclic rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute (RPM), a barrel length of 415 mm (16.3 in), a maximum firing range of 800 m (870 yd), and a standard magazine capacity of 30 rounds. It is also compatible using magazines from the AK-74, RPK-74, and the 96-round drum magazine from the RPK-16.
Kalashnikov Concern also offers the rifle in 7.62×39mm cartridge, designated as the AK-15. Short barrel variants of the AK-12 and AK-15 have been announced, respectively the AK-12K and AK-15K. The AK-12 completed its operational testing and passed military field tests in June 2017. Both AK-12 and AK-15 completed testing in December 2017. In January 2018 it was announced that the AK-12 and AK-15 have been adopted by the Russian military. In August 2018, the Armenian Ministry of Defence announced that they have secured the rights to manufacture the AK-12 and AK-15 in Armenia.
