Video: They took over the experience of real combat operations. Kalashnikov presented new rifles and a machine gun
Russia, July 9, 2025 – The Kalashnikov Concern held a presentation of the latest developments of weapons in the 7.62 mm caliber. We are talking about the shortened AK-15K assault rifle, the small AK-15SK and the RPL-7 light machine gun. The chief designer of the concern, Sergei Urzhumtsev, spoke about the weapon.
The concern’s shooting center presented the latest AK-15K (shortened), AK-15SK (small) assault rifles and the RPL-7 light machine gun with belt feed. This is the first public presentation of the new weapon, and the AK-15 assault rifle is presented in an improved version, modified to the level of the 2023 AK-12 model. This means that the same solutions are implemented as in the AK-12. The magazine is standard and holds 30 rounds.
Based on this model, by analogy with the 5.45 complex, the shortened AK-15K assault rifle and the small AK-15SK assault rifle were created. They have exactly the same solutions as in the 5.45 caliber assault rifles and are simply duplicated for the possibility of bringing this line primarily to the foreign market. The new assault rifles have an advantage over their predecessors in ergonomics, technical and operational characteristics. When developing them, the experience of real combat operations during the special operation was taken into account. The Russian Ministry of Defense has shown interest in the 7.62×39 mm caliber, and a state defense order has already been created to supply this weapon to soldiers. It is assumed that both assault rifles will be adopted by special forces and crews of combat vehicles.
Deliveries of shortened AK-12K assault rifles and RPL-20 light machine guns
The new AK-12K (shortened) assault rifle and the RPL-20 light machine gun have demonstrated high effectiveness in combat operations in the area of responsibility of the Dnepr Group of Forces, where they have passed combat tests. However, the Ministry of Defense has not yet created a state defense order for this weapon, although the capacity of the Kalashnikov Concern is sufficient to fulfill it. This was stated by the head of the concern Alan Lushnikov.
This year, deliveries of shortened AK-12K assault rifles and RPL-20 light machine guns of 5.45 mm caliber to the troops began. The weapons were received by the assault units of the Dnepr Group, fighting in the Kherson and Zaporozhye directions. As a result of combat use, both products received good reviews from the military. However, there are no weapons in other directions, the military department has not yet issued an order, negotiations are underway. The AK-12K assault rifle was developed specifically for assault units and at the request of the military, taking into account experience at the front. As the fighters themselves explained, it is not always convenient to operate in cramped trenches and rooms with a standard AK assault rifle, while the shortened version allows for free movement. At the same time, the combat characteristics of the assault rifle were not affected.
Max Bach
