Documents
Russia Kalashnikov Concern
AK-12
The modernized fifth-generation Kalashnikov rifle adopted as the standard infantry weapon of the Russian Armed Forces, replacing earlier AK-74M variants. It retains the classic long-stroke gas piston system while adding a full-length Picatinny rail, adjustable stock and improved ergonomics.
In service since 2018 · 4 operator countries
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-01
500
m range
700
rpm
900
m/s
30
rds
Pricing: Unit cost not publicly disclosed under state contracts
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
Russian state channel
Rosoboronexport monopoly; Western sanctions exposure and payment/logistics risk for many buyers.
Channel: Rosoboronexport (state)
Fielded & proven
Established · 4 operators
In service since 2018. Status: active · ~300,000 built.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from. Why so few systems publish one →
Interoperability
Derived guidance from public data, export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
| Effective range Distance at which the weapon reliably hits point targets. Higher extends engagement envelope. | 500 m |
|---|---|
| Rate of fire Rounds per minute (cyclic). Higher increases suppression and hit probability. | 700 rpm |
| Muzzle velocity Projectile speed leaving the barrel. Higher means flatter trajectory and better armor penetration. | 900 m/s |
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
| Main armament Primary weapon: main gun, cannon or missile type. | 5.45×39 mm |
|---|---|
| Caliber Bore diameter of the main gun or rifle. Larger throws heavier projectiles; not simply better, ammunition commonality matters. | 5.5 mm |
| Ammunition Rounds carried (main gun) or standard magazine capacity. | 30 |
Physical
Dimensions, weight and crew.
| Length Overall length including gun/probe where applicable. | 0.94 m |
|---|---|
| Empty weight Weight without fuel, ammunition or crew. | 3 kg |
| Crew Personnel required to operate. Fewer reduces exposure; autoloaders trade a loader for mechanical complexity. | 1 |
| Barrel length Barrel length, longer improves muzzle velocity and accuracy, shorter improves handling. | 415 mm |
Program
Cost, production scale and operators.
| Units built Total production run. Higher means proven manufacturing, mature logistics and spares availability. | 300,000 |
|---|---|
| Operator countries Number of countries operating the system. More operators means broader support ecosystem. | 4 |
Specifications compiled from public Kalashnikov Concern and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations, treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-01.
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Head-to-head comparisons
AK-12 vs
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HK416 A5 Frequently asked questions
How many crew does the Kalashnikov Concern AK-12 require? +
The Kalashnikov Concern AK-12 requires a crew of 1.
What is the main armament of the Kalashnikov Concern AK-12? +
The Kalashnikov Concern AK-12's primary weapon is the 5.45×39 mm.
What is the Kalashnikov Concern AK-12 used for? +
The Kalashnikov Concern AK-12 is a rifle & long arms typically used for infantry combat.
How many countries operate the Kalashnikov Concern AK-12? +
The Kalashnikov Concern AK-12 is operated by 4 countries.
How much does the Kalashnikov Concern AK-12 cost? +
Kalashnikov Concern AK-12: Unit cost not publicly disclosed under state contracts. Defense program costs are rarely fully public and vary by contract and configuration.
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