The Russian government will adopt the 5.45mm and 7.62mm (not sure if that is 7.62x51mm, 7.62x54mm or 7.62x39mm) version of the Kalashnikov AK-12 rifle. Google translate says …

Kalashnikovs new generation of caliber 5.45 and 7.62 millimeters, as well as a long list of other small arms goes to supply the Russian army in 2014, said the deputy chairman of the Military Industrial Commission (MIC) of the Government of the Russian Federation Oleg Bochkarev.

“Beginning in 2014, the army will new assault rifles, pistols, machine guns, sniper rifles. Will and AK-12 – two models of machine in the caliber of 5.45 and 7.62, so the abbreviation Kalashnikov continues,” – he said on the radio station “Echo of Moscow” .

According to the deputy chairman of the military-industrial complex, “the Degtyarev Plant” (Carpets, Vladimir region) are also prepared for the Russian military, “the two major items 5.45 and 7.62.” “It’s two caliber, who for decades have proven their right to exist, and we believe that there is no need to invent new calibers, this is all from the evil one” – added Bochkarev.

He recalled that in Russia for nearly 10 years, the program is being implemented recycling of obsolete weapons and military equipment. “Today, the accumulated holdings including holding back new orders, because the new technique should be somewhere to come, it must be placed somewhere,” – said the deputy head of the military-industrial complex.

Seeing is believing. The Russian military has done all they can to avoid having to adopt a new rifle. They make the US Army, who have been battling congress to avoid having to adopt a new carbine, look like amateurs at this particular political game. The Russian military have been using the AK-74 since 1974, the AK-74SU since 1979 and the AK-74M since 1991.