The fact that the Kalashnikov assault rifle, despite its long history, remains a legendary weapon is an indisputable fact. However, time does not stand still, and the famous manufacturer continues to work on new models of weapons so that they can meet the requirements of modern military affairs. A striking example of this activity was the recent appearance of a new Kalashnikov, the AK-12, which has been upgraded to the latest technology and has the potential for further improvement. And it is quite possible to test it in action today: it is with these machine guns that the fighters of domestic special forces and intelligence are now armed.
In fairness, it is worth noting that the very first version of the AK-12 appeared back in 2012, but it was not very successful. Then the engineers took up its modernization, which was presented in 2016, but the developers did not stop there. They made another series of changes, which, however, was less ambitious than the previous one - it was released as part of the Army-2020 Military-Technical Forum. It was this modification that in recent months began to be put into service.
Interesting fact: The Kalashnikov gunsmiths showed one curious initiative last year - they created another model of the assault rifle based on the 2020 version, which was called the AK-19. It was developed as an export version according to NATO standards. Among the changes that the new machine has received, there is, for example, a different caliber - 5.56, as well as a different one from the traditional design of the muzzle device - the AK-19 has a non-removable slotted flash suppressor with the possibility of quick installation muffler.
The main version of the AK-12 has a caliber of 5.45, and outwardly it is very similar to the classic Kalashnikov. However, structurally it decently differs from its world-famous predecessor. For example, the modernization allowed him to acquire the ability to fire in fixed bursts with a two-shot cutoff, and also made it more convenient to switch modes. In addition, the stock of barrel survivability was increased through the use of more modern technology.
The AK-12, which has already earned the nickname "Super Kalashnikov", boasts a whole range of new gadgets. For example, additional removable muzzle devices were specially developed for it, it is also equipped with thermal imagers, silencers and collimator sights - all this makes it possible to conduct aimed fire at head targets at a distance of up to half a kilometer. The most modern sight, as well as a tactical flashlight and a laser designator, can, if necessary, be installed on the AK-12 by installing Picatinny rails on it. Moreover, it is now possible to install standard GP-25 and GP-30 grenade launchers on the machine gun.
In total, according to Novate.ru, in comparison with the basic model AK-74M, the share of modernization of the AK-12 was 54%, which allowed him to get increased accuracy when firing, increased armor-piercing and shooting accuracy, as well as improved convenience operation. However, from his legendary progenitor, he retained the reliability of all components, which has always been the hallmark of the Kalashnikovs.
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To date, "Superkalashnikov" has already been put into service with domestic reconnaissance companies and battalions, special forces units of the Airborne Forces. So far, they have received machine guns without additional gadgets in the form of the latest night sights, thermal imagers and silencers, however it is known that the coordination of the supply of these products has already taken place, and soon they will appear at the disposal of Russian fighters.
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A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/051221/61473/