On September 1, 2026, the Kalashnikov Concern unveiled the AK-12+ in Vladivostok, a modified 5.45x39 mm rifle intended for special forces. The weapon was displayed in the pavilion of the VOIN Center during the 11th Eastern Economic Forum. The project is intended to enable accurate fire at medium ranges, both day and night. The manufacturer has already announced preparations for serial production.
However, the model's public history began earlier. On April 15, the Solovyov LIVE channel published footage showing the AK-12+ being fired, while on April 30 the Kalashnikov magazine discussed the design. The September exhibition, where a mock-up was reportedly presented according to TASS, was therefore another stage in the development of a project known since the spring.
The initiative was launched by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev. In an April interview, he pointed out that soldiers have to purchase sights with their own money, which is why the project was intended to provide a weapon equipped with the necessary accessories from the outset. Trutnev also said that he became interested in modernizing domestically produced firearms after training with a Colt AR-15, during which he reportedly experienced three malfunctions. He commented that he would never pick it up again, fitting into the broader narrative surrounding the reliability of the AK platform.
The most important mechanical change introduced in the new design is a thicker barrel. This solution is intended to improve its vibration characteristics and resistance to overheating, potentially reducing point-of-impact shift during intensive firing.
The Kalashnikov magazine additionally reports that the example described featured a barrel selected for the geometry of its bore. Materials presenting the project did not include temperature measurements or data on changes in the mean point of impact during prolonged firing. The new barrel profile required an enlarged gas block. The mounting elements for the sling swivel, underbarrel grenade launcher and bayonet were also removed from the barrel. An extended handguard was fitted, which was identified in the April description as a component originating from the AK-308.
The AK-12+ also features a threaded muzzle that allows interchangeable muzzle devices to be used, including a slotted flash hider and a muzzle brake-compensator. NEWS.ru, citing information from the booth, mentions a device from Alfa Arms, without specifying the model. The April configuration also described a non-standard sound-moderating device and a new U-shaped rear sight. Optics are also an important part of the overall concept. Reports from the September exhibition mentioned a Dedal sight and a Gran-2 thermal imager, although their exact variants were not specified.
The claims made by the Russian deputy prime minister regarding accuracy have attracted the most attention. Trutnev spoke of achieving 1.5 MOA, and even 0.7-0.9 MOA when using “good ammunition.” In the same interview, he attributed a dispersion of nearly 5 MOA to the standard AK-12. All these figures come from his comparison. One of the project's objectives was reportedly to hit a 30-cm-diameter target at a distance of 500 m. However, no data has been published that would allow this distance to be regarded as a confirmed effective range.
Deputy Defense Minister Aleksandr Sanchik took an interest in the design and requested an initial batch to be delivered to the military. A full assessment of the AK-12+ still lacks basic data: no publications provide a complete specification, weight, dimensions, barrel length, durability test results or delivery schedule.
Photos: Kalashnikov
