Russia’s new Kalashnikov rifle

The new AK-12 assault rifle is intended to replace the AK-74 as the standard-issue infantry rifle in service with the Russian military. The rifle is capable of firing both Russian and NATO-calibre ammunition

AK-74 Avtomat Kalashnikova 1974

Adopted by Russian Army in 1991

Selector: Safe, semi-automatic or fully-automatic modes

Rear sight

Solid wood buttstock

30 or 45-round magazine

Muzzle brake: Exhaust gas used to stop barrel from lifting to top right during rapid fire

Rate of fire: 650 rounds/min
Effective range: 500 metres
Calibre 5.45x39mm

AK-12

Side-folding buttstock with adjustable cheek piece

Rear sight moved back to improve accuracy

Accessory rail


Muzzle brake: Redesigned to accept NATO-standard rifle grenades

Grenade launcher: Fires NATO 40mm grenades

Rate of fire: 600 rounds/min
Effective range: 625 metres

Selector: Safe, semi-automatic, 3-round burst or fully automatic

Accepts STANAG* magazines for NATO cartridges
44.7mm
39.8mm

Calibres: 5.45x39mm (Russian, left), 5.56x45mm (NATO, right),
6.5mm Grendel (U.S.), 7.62x39 (Russian), and 7.62x51mm (NATO) 

Sources: IHS Jane’s, Kalashnikov Concern
*NATO Standard Agreement