Though Russia is equipping more of its own soldiers with the weapons, the real objective behind its recent media blitz appears to be its export to the developing world.

Vast numbers of Russian military personnel on the ground in the ongoing conflict are still being issued with older weapons and equipment. It remains common for new units to be issued with AK-47/AKM assault rifles dating back to the Cold War, and there have even been reports of some troops being supplied with World War II-era DP-27 Degtyaryov light machine guns, a weapon that first entered service nearly a century ago.

However, Russia’s Kalashnikov Group has touted that some lucky soldiers may soon be equipped with the modern AK-12 assault rifle.

“The Kalashnikov Group has dispatched the next batch of improved 5.45mm AK-12 assault rifles in their 2023 modification under the current state contract. The AK-12, adopted for service six years ago, has replaced the AK-74 and become the main individual automatic weapon of service members of the Russian Armed Forces,” the Kalashnikov Group’s press office told Russian state news agency TASS this week.

Russia Is Getting More Rifles, But How Many?

As with other military hardware deliveries, the number of weapons being supplied has been described as purposely vague. The Kremlin only states that “batches” are delivered, rather than actual unit numbers.

“The number of AK-12 assault rifles supplied to the troops has increased considerably since the start of the special military operation,” TASS wrote. It didn’t mention that few Russian personnel had been equipped with the weapon in the early stages of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine back in February 2022.

In fact, this hyperbole may not even be about aiding Russia’s only military forces, but is another veiled effort to attract foreign buyers.

“The interest of foreign customers in the AK-12 is growing thanks to its effective use in the special military operation area and positive feedback from the troops,” TASS gushed, adding that the AK-12 features “improved ergonomics” and improved “accuracy.”

About the AK-12 Assault Rifle

• Caliber: 5.45×39mm
• Barrel Length: 415 mm (16.3 in)
• Total Length: 880–940 mm (adjustable)
• Weight: ~3.3–3.5 kg (empty)
• Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds (standard)
• Operation: Semi-auto, Full-auto (older models had 2-round burst)
• Action: Gas-operated, long-stroke gas piston
• Sights: Updated diopter/iron sights, Picatinny rail on receiver
• Ergonomics: Adjustable stock, ergonomic grip
• Modularity: Picatinny rails on the handguard (top, bottom, sides) for accessories.
• Improvements Over Previous Models: Hinged dust cover, free-floating barrel, modernized magazine design with ground rest feature.
• Variants: AK-15 (7.62x39mm), AK-19 (5.56x45mm NATO), and shorter-barrel AK-12K

The AK-12 is the latest variant in the long-running family of “Kalashnikov” assault rifles that were purportedly developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov during the later stages of the Great Patriotic War (aka World War II). The story of how a self-trained engineer developed the original AK-47 has become a near-mythical legend, but that is true of many of the “Heroes” of the Soviet Union from the era.

The fifth-generation assault rifle was designed to provide the modern soldier with a firearm featuring greater modularity, improved optics compatibility, use of lighter but still rugged materials, and enhanced ergonomics. Aesthetically, it could be argued that the current AK-12 more closely resembles a “Western” modular assault rifle such as the US-made M4 or German HK416 than the original AK-47.

However, its operation is still based on the legacy long-stroke piston system. This ensures reliability, and as with most AK platforms, it is deliberately over-gassed to ensure that the weapon can cycle through heavy fouling, extreme cold, and even underpowered ammunition.

It wouldn’t be hyperbole to suggest that the AK-12, like past AKs, remains an ideal weapon for insurgents, revolutionaries, and conscripts who lack the discipline to properly care for their weapon. It may lack some of the extreme simplicity of the earlier models, but it is still very much a Russian-design weapon through and through.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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