AK-12
Kalashnikov Concern (formerly Izhmash) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2018
Also known as: 6P70, Avtomat Kalashnikova obrazets 2012 goda, AK-12 Model 2023
Overview
The AK-12 (Avtomat Kalashnikova obrazets 2012 goda, GRAU index 6P70) is a fifth-generation Russian assault rifle developed by Kalashnikov Concern under the Ratnik future soldier program. Designed by Vladimir Zlobin and Sergey Urzhumtsev as a comprehensive modernization of the AK-74M platform, the AK-12 retains the proven long-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt action of previous Kalashnikov designs while incorporating significant ergonomic and capability improvements. It features a full-length Picatinny rail on the top cover for optics mounting, additional side and bottom rail sections on the handguard, an adjustable and foldable polymer stock, ambidextrous fire controls, and a four-position selector offering safe, semi-automatic, two-round burst, and fully automatic fire modes. The rifle accepts standard AK-74 pattern magazines as well as 45-round, 60-round extended box magazines and 95-round RPK-16 drum magazines. Officially adopted by the Russian Ministry of Defence in January 2018 for issue to Infantry, Airborne, and Naval Infantry troops, an initial contract for 150,000 rifles was placed for delivery between 2019 and 2021.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3300 g (116.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 945 mm (37.20") |
| Folded Length | 690 mm (27.17") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 900 m/s (2953 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1389 J (1024 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1000 m (1094 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 196 mm (7.72") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 5.45x39mm · primary — also known as 5.45 Soviet, 5.45x39mm M74
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 2, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Detachable Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Ambidextrous Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Muzzle Brake Compensator, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Two Round Burst, Picatinny Rail Top, Picatinny Rail Sides, Picatinny Rail Bottom, Adjustable Stock, Folding Stock, Free Floating Barrel, Optics Rail Compatible, Grenade Launcher Compatible, Suppressor Compatible, Ambidextrous Controls
Variants
- AK-12 Model 2023 — Modernized
- AK-12K — Compact
- AK-15 — Different Caliber
- AK-15K — Compact
- AK-19 — Different Caliber
- RPK-16 — Light Machine Gun
- AK-12SP — Special Forces
- AK-12SPK — Compact
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Russian Armed Forces · adopted 2018 · as 6P70
- Russian Airborne Troops (VDV) · adopted 2018
- Russian Naval Infantry · adopted 2018
- Qatar Armed Forces · adopted 2018
Conflicts
- Russo-Ukrainian War (2022-present)
- Russian intervention in Syria (2015-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 150,000 · Production years: 2018-present
Initial contract for 150,000 rifles for delivery 2019-2021. Additional orders likely placed since. The Model 2023 revision removed the two-round burst mode.
Origin
Country of origin: Russia
Designer: Vladimir Zlobin
Notes
The AK-12 went through extensive redesign between its initial 2012 prototype and the 2016 production model. Early prototypes featured a balanced recoil system and different ergonomics that were ultimately abandoned in favor of a more conventional and cost-effective design closer to the AK-74M. The Model 2023 revision, developed in response to combat feedback from the Russo-Ukrainian War, introduced several changes: removal of the two-round burst mode, an ambidextrous thumb safety lever replacing the traditional AK safety paddle, adjustable dual-aperture rear peep sights (1.8mm and 4.5mm), a reinforced lower handguard with side rail attachment points, a cross-pin top cover retention system replacing the rotating lever, an integrated trigger guard and pistol grip assembly, and a non-removable flash suppressor-compensator with a quick-detach suppressor interface. The AK-15 variant chambers the 7.62x39mm cartridge (GRAU index 6P71) and was adopted concurrently. Qatar became the first confirmed export customer in 2018. The 5.45x39mm caliber specifications in this entry reflect CIP maximum pressure standards; Russian military loads (e.g., 7N6M, 7N10) typically operate at 300-303 MPa.
Background
The AK-12 went through such extensive redesign between its radical 2012 prototype and the conservative 2016 production model that they are essentially different rifles sharing a name. Combat experience in Ukraine led to a rapid 'Model 2023' revision that replaced the traditional AK safety lever with an ambidextrous thumb selector.