Lightweight, dual-round machine gun ammunition on the horizon.
FUSING FIREPOWER AND TECHNOLOGY...
Get ready for the latest addition to Russia's arsenal! The new 5.45mm caliber RPL-20 machine gun, crafted by Kalashnikov Concern, is expected to hit the battlefields as soon as 2025. Each weapon will be outfitted with a special charging device for machine gun belts, capable of holding 100 or 200 rounds.
...NO HOLDS BARRED IN CLOSE QUARTERS COMBAT
To cater to the special needs of soldiers in the field, Kalashnikov Concern has also unveiled modifications of the compact 5.45x39mm caliber AK-12K and AK-12SK assault rifles. These were developed in response to requests from servicemen operating in intense combat zones.
The AK-12K, designed for use by assault troops, is lighter and more compact than its predecessors, allowing for accurate, intense fire from even unstable positions. Meanwhile, the AK-12SK, designed for drivers, pilots, armored vehicle crews, UAV teams, and artillery units, offers a truly pocket-friendly size that won't compromise on performance.
Both the AK-12K and AK-12SK boast improved technical, ergonomic, and operational characteristics, ensuring they meet the demands of modern combat. They are equipped to fire 7N10 armor-piercing rounds, capable of penetrating NATO body armor, as well as 5.45mm rounds with tracer bullets 7T3 and 7T3M.
Weighing in at no more than 3.4 or 3.2 kg without accessories, and with a folded length of 570 or 750 mm, these compact powerhouses can fit into tight spaces and still deliver the punch needed on the battlefield.
KEEPING THE SKIES SAFE - ANTI-DRONE EFFORTS
Industrial heavyweight Techkrim has developed a groundbreaking 7.62x54mm round with a tandem anti-drone bullet. Dubbed the "Tandem" round, it boasts two bullets in one casing, each weighing 8 and 7 grams. They depart the rifled barrel practically simultaneously, flying side by side before striking their target at speeds of 650 meters per second.
These rounds effectively double the speed at which drones can be downed, making them a valuable addition to counter drone operations. The anti-drone bullet was designed to increase fire density, essential for countering enemy drones.
BUNDLE UP WITH VKO 3.2 "INNOVATOR"
Kalashnikov Concern has also introduced the all-season field equipment kit VKO 3.2 "Innovator." Made from advanced materials with improved properties and enhanced ergonomic characteristics, this kit will provide reliable protection in moderate climates.
The VKO 3.2 kit includes:
- All-season, windproof, and insulated suits
- Fleece underwear
- Fleece jacket
- Cap
- Insulated hat
Designed for high breathability, protection from wind and light precipitation, and rapid drying, the kit's thermal insulation properties can handle temperatures as low as -35°C. The equipment kits also include gloves, mittens, and sleeping bags.
"CUBES" ON THE POLISH BORDER
Kalashnikov Concern showcased new guided loitering munitions (GLM) of the "CUB" family at the 12th International Arms and Military Equipment Exhibition MILEX-2025 held in Minsk, Belarus, from May 21 to 24. These drones have proven themselves valuable for around-the-clock border protection and the destruction of enemy targets at a tactical depth of over 40 km. The family's drones easily integrate with the Sokat 350M, one of the best reconnaissance drones available, produced by Kalashnikov Concern.
In essence, the ongoing modernization of Russia's military highlights a commitment to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving landscape of warfare, combining traditional firepower with innovative solutions like anti-drone technologies.
In the realm of war-and-conflicts and politics, Russia continues to fortify its defense capabilities. The introduction of the 5.45mm caliber RPL-20 machine gun, along with modifications of the AK-12K and AK-12SK assault rifles, ensures Russian soldiers have the technology needed for close quarters combat and heavily armed combat zones.
Modernizing its counter-drone efforts, Russia aims to secure the skies from emerging threats. The Tandem 7.62x54mm round, developed by Techkrim, provides a faster and more effective means of downing drones, addressing the critical need for increased fire density in counter drone operations.
