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According to Russian news sources, the Russian Ministry of Defense has agreed a contract with Kalashnikov Concern to purchase the first 150,000 new AK-12 and AK-15 rifles. The adoption of the AK-12 and AK-15 was first announced back in January 2018.
The 150,000 rifle contract will reportedly be fulfilled over three years with 50,000 rifles being delivered each year, its value has not been disclosed. Kalashnikov Concern announced that it had begun to deliver the first AK-12 rifles to the Russian military in December 2018. The reports of the contract come from Interfax but a post on Kalashnikov Media more or less confirms the order.
The new rifles will replace the ageing AK-74M currently in service providing a more modern, modular rifle with the ability to more easily mount optics and accessories. Kalashnikov Concern’s statement when the rifles were first selected explained:
Newest family of Kalashnikov assault rifles, the 5.45mm AK-12 and 7.62mm AK-15, are officially approved and recommended by Russian Ministry of Defense for issue to Infantry, Airborne and Naval infantry troops of Russian Armed Forces. New rifles were developed by “Kalashnikov” group according to the requirements, set during the “Ratnik” program that originally sought new tactical and combat equipment for Russian Special forces.
Back in November, Hrachya broke down the technical changes and improvements made to the AK-12 and AK-15 here and Eric has taken a look at the new Russian rifles too.
The AK-12 with cleaning kit, sling, optic, bayonet, VFG and suppressor (Kalashnikov)
The 5.45x39mm AK-12 weighs 3.5kg or 7.7lbs, has a folding, telescoping buttstock with a redesigned hinged, top cover that allows a continuous top rail for better optics mounting. However, they chose not to make the rifle’s controls ambidextrous, presumably to retain the traditional manual of arms and mechanical simplicity.
It is currently unclear just what the ratio of 5.45 AK-12s to 7.62x39mm AK-15s will make up the initial order but this first 150,000 rifle contract will be fulfilled by 2021, and with over 1 million active duty personnel Kalashnikov Concern are likely to see sizeable orders for years to come as the venerable AK-74 is replaced.
